UCL: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola includes Rodri to Champions League squad while new signing Vitor Reis is deliberately omitted 
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named Spanish midfielder Rodri in his squad for the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs, while new signing Vitor Reis has been left out, according to a report by Daily Post.
The squad selection was confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the update via his X account on Friday.
“Rodri has been included into Man City squad for Champions League knockout stages,” Romano tweeted. “Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez also included. Vitor Reis, out of the list.”
Rodri’s return comes as a significant boost for City, with the midfielder having been sidelined for several months due to injury. The 27-year-old Spaniard, who won the Ballon d’Or last year ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, is regarded as a key player in Guardiola’s system.
His absence was felt in recent months, as City struggled at times in midfield without his stability and defensive contributions. His return to the squad signals Guardiola’s intent to field his strongest team as they face Real Madrid in a crucial European clash.
The Premier League champions will host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-offs at the Etihad Stadium on February 11. The return leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on either February 18 or 19.
Meanwhile, new signing Vitor Reis has been omitted from the squad, meaning the young defender will not feature in the knockout stages of the competition. Guardiola has opted for experience in his selections, with players like Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez making the list.
City’s clash with Real Madrid is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the competition, with both teams aiming to advance to the quarter-finals. Guardiola will be hoping Rodri’s presence can make a decisive impact in midfield as they take on the Spanish giants.
Man City have officially confirmed the players expected to represent the club in the knockout stage of the Champions League in their latest squad announcement.
Ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League knockout stage playoffs epic showdown between Man City and Real Madrid scheduled for February 2025, Pep Guardiola’s side have confirmed players expected to represent the club in their latest press release in this regard.
Man City have included their three latest signings to the shortlist and to the surprise of many the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner Rodri also makes the list raising speculations of a possible return before the end of the 2024/2025 season as initially anticipated.
Pep Guardiola’s side would be looking to defeat Real Madrid in the two-legged knockout stage playoffs to secure a spot in the round of 16 of the Champions League. This is expected to be a uphill task with the Los Blancos side looking to continue their title defense in the tournament.
Man City’s Champions League knockout stage squad (list A)
Goalkeepers
Ederson, Stefan Ortega Moreno, Scott Carson
Defenders
Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol
Midfielders
Nico, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho
Forwards
Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush
Man City’s Champions League supplementary list
Oscar Bobb, Max Alleyne, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly
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