Manchester City handed injury blow ahead of Champions League quarter-final second leg 

Manchester City handed injury blow ahead of Champions League quarter-final second leg 

Manchester City faces an injury dilemma ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, with Phil Foden’s fitness hanging in the balance, according to Manchester Evening News.

 

 

Foden, who showed his quality with a stunning goal in the first leg, sustained an injury towards the end of the match, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures.

 

During the enthralling encounter at the Bernabeu, Foden endured a knock to his leg, prompting him to receive immediate medical attention on the field.

 

Although he managed to continue for a brief period, the discomfort forced him to be substituted, casting doubts over his participation in the upcoming matches.

 

 

Manager Pep Guardiola, acknowledging the severity of the situation, made a tactical substitution by introducing Julian Alvarez in place of the injured Foden.

 

Despite his efforts to walk off the pitch, Foden exhibited visible signs of discomfort, limping and wincing as he made his way to the sidelines.

 

Post-match, Foden expressed optimism about his recovery, labeling the issue as a “dead leg.” Guardiola, referring to it as a knock and highlighting Foden’s reluctance to leave the field.

 

Manchester City’s injury concerns extend beyond Foden, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne sidelined due to illness.

 

De Bruyne’s absence, coupled with injuries to Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker, despite these setbacks, City can take solace in the availability of Ruben Dias, who escaped suspension after avoiding bookings in the first leg.

 

 

‘Grumpy’: Pep Guardiola says one Man City player wasn’t happy with him last night

Photo by Ruben Albarran/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Pep Guardiola has revealed that one Manchester City player was unhappy with him during last night’s match against Real Madrid.

 

 

For their first-leg quarter-final tie against the Spanish club at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Citizens walked away with a 3-3 draw, setting up another mouth-watering second-leg clash between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium next week.

 

After last night’s game in the Spanish capital, the City boss spoke openly about one of his players and his reaction to being taken off the pitch.

 

Guardiola says Man City player was ‘grumpy’ after Real Madrid clash

Real Madrid CF v Manchester City: Quarter-final First Leg – UEFA Champions League 2023/24

 

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game in Madrid, Guardiola had this to say when asked about Phil Foden and why he was substituted off in the second half.

 

 

He said: “It was a knock. He was grumpy with me because I made a substitution but he made another fantastic goal.”

 

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The Englishman completed 87 minutes against Carlo Ancelotti’s side before being taken off after a suffering a nasty-looking challenge from Eduardo Camavinga.

 

During his time on the pitch, Foden scored City’s second goal to get them back on level terms after they found themselves 2-1 down just a few minutes after taking the lead in the early stages through Bernardo Silva.

 

Why Phil Foden was taken off against Real Madrid

Even though the 23-year-old was caught on the back of his foot by Camavinga and had to hobble off the pitch, the fact that he was grumpy by Guardiola’s decision to take him off shows just how eager he is to contribute as much as he can to the team and help them win.

 

 

However, from Guardiola’s point of view, it seemed, to us, to be the right thing to do rather than keep him on and risk aggravating a potential injury blow that may have kept him sidelined in what is a crucial period of the season.

 

Also speaking after the game, the 23-year-old said that he had a “bad dead leg,” but was hopeful that the recovery time ahead of him will fix it before the second-leg tie against Real.

 

 

 

Manchester City’s Defensive shuffle : Walker and Ake Miss Real Madrid clash as Gvardiol step in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City’s defensive lineup is set for a significant reshuffle as Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake have been left out of the squad traveling to face Real Madrid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This unexpected development comes as Pep Guardiola’s side prepares for a crucial Champions League showdown against the Spanish giants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The absence of seasoned defender Kyle Walker raises eyebrows, as the Englishman has been a consistent presence in Manchester City’s backline throughout the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Known for his pace, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute in attack, Walker’s exclusion from the squad hints at a tactical adjustment by Guardiola ahead of the high-stakes encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Similarly, Nathan Ake’s absence comes as a surprise to many fans and pundits alike. The Dutch defender, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020, has featured prominently in Guardiola’s defensive plans this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ake’s versatility and composure on the ball have been valuable assets for the team, making his omission from the squad all the more intriguing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepping into the spotlight is Josko Gvardiol, the young Croatian defender who has been handed a golden opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gvardiol’s inclusion in the squad signals Guardiola’s faith in the 20-year-old’s abilities and highlights Manchester City’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gvardiol, who joined Manchester City from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021, has impressed with his maturity, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game beyond his years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite his relative lack of experience at the highest level, Gvardiol has already shown glimpses of his potential, making him a promising prospect for both club and country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardiola’s decision to entrust Gvardiol with a crucial role in such a pivotal match underscores the depth and quality of Manchester City’s squad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It also reflects the club’s long-term vision of building a sustainable and successful team by investing in young talent and providing them with opportunities to thrive on the grandest stages of European football.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Manchester City prepares to take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, Guardiola will be hoping that Gvardiol can rise to the occasion and deliver a commanding performance at the heart of the defense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the likes of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte providing guidance and support, Gvardiol will have the perfect platform to showcase his talents and make a strong case for a regular starting role in the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the absence of Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake may raise questions among fans and pundits, Guardiola’s decision

to entrust Gvardiol with a key role highlights the depth and versatility of Manchester City’s squad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the team sets its sights on conquering Europe’s premier clu

 

b competition, all eyes will be on Gvardiol as he looks to seize his moment on the biggest stage of all.