Can Manchester City’s new signings play against Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 play-off round? | OneFootball

Manchester City have now found out their opponents in the last-16 play-off round of the UEFA Champions League, but many are wondering what changes could be made to the squad list ahead of the clash with Real Madrid.

After a difficult league phase campaign, Pep Guardiola and his players secured a position within the top-24 in the table of this season’s opening round of the UEFA Champions League, giving themselves a second-chance at qualification for the knock-out rounds.

City endured difficult defeats against the likes of Sporting, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain away from home in the league phase format of the competition, conceding 10 goals in the process against the aforementioned sides.

There was also a 0-0 draw on the opening matchweek of the competition as 2023 finalists Inter Milan secured a point at the Etihad Stadium in a repeat of the clash between the two sides in Istanbul, while City would throw away a three-goal lead against Feyenoord to draw 3-3.

And there were fears on the final night that their entire campaign would burst into flames as Club Brugge took the lead on a night when a merchandise stand caught fire outside of the stadium prior to kick-off.

Thankfully, Manchester City came from behind in the second-half to win and they have since been rewarded with a last-16 play-off tie against European giants Real Madrid; the fourth consecutive season in which they have played against one another.

But after a busy January transfer window that saw three new arrivals join prior to deadline day, all of whom were ineligible to feature against PSG or Club Brugge as they were not registered by City, many are wondering what their fate is for the double-header with Los Blancos.

Now, as confirmed by various sources including competition rules themselves, Manchester City can register their three new signings for the play-off stage of the UEFA Champions League with up to three new players available to be added.

That will likely see, as things stand, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis join the defensive ranks within the squad, as well as Omar Marmoush boosting the attacking unit for the rest of their European campaign.

Rodri is likely to be registered for a place in Manchester City’s Champions League squad list despite still being some way off a return to match action, while Kyle Walker has been removed after his switch to AC Milan on a loan move earlier this month.

Manchester City continue to work on a deadline day deal for a new central midfielder and have their focus firmly centred on FC Porto’s Nico Gonzalez, although a deal will not be straightforward and there is no guarantee of an agreement being struck between all parties.