Defensive worries for Guardiola ahead of Real Madrid UCL clash
Portuguese international Cancelo is suspended with Kyle Walker and John Stones doubts against Real Madrid with Pep Guardiola set to improvise with his rear-guard.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City side are planning their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with serious questions as who will man the defence in Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad stadium.
“I don’t know if Kyle will arrive in time and it will also be difficult for John” stated Guardiola following Saturday’s comfortable victory over Watford (5-1) about the possibility of Walker and Stones recovering for the UCL clash. He added that Walker was “much, much better” from his ankle injury with the 100% absentee being João Cancelo who is suspended after picking up his third yellow card right at the final whistle against Atleti in the quarter-final.
Ake return
The positive note for City is that Nathan Aké will be available for Tuesday’s clash and may be called upon to play at right back. The left-footed center-back has only played one game on that flank, but given that Laporte and Rúben Dias are immovable in the center of the defense and Zinchenko is the only pure left-back in the squad, Guardiola may be forced to play the former Bournemouth man out of position. John Stones could also play at right-back with the England international also to called upon at some point in Tuesday’s game with his hamstring injury recovery also complete.
Doubts in attack
City meanwhile have an excess of riches in attack with no injury concerns in the offensive department. After his four goal haul against Watford las Saturday, Gabriel Jesus is expected to start upfront with Mahrez set to accompany the Brazilian. Rodri, Bernardo Silva and De Bruyne are as good as guaranteed starters with Sterling, Foden and Gündogan battling over a further place in attack.