Key players return in Man City training ahead of huge Real Madrid match | OneFootball

Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake all took part in Manchester City training.

Pep Guardiola has been handed a boost in City training today, as a number of stars that were doubts for their clash with Real Madrid were seen out on the pitch.

Erling Haaland scored both of City’s goals in the first leg of their Champions League tie, however there was some concern over the availability of the Norwegian for the second leg. The Premier League golden boot winner went down injured and was withdrawn in the 87th minute of the Blues’ 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.

“When Haaland was down everyone was scared,” Guardiola admitted after the match. “I didn’t speak to him, but the doctors didn’t come with any bad news.”

The goalscoring machine seemed fine in training, and City will hope he can find the back of the net tomorrow night.

Jack Grealish is another of City’s attacking stars that began the first leg last Tuesday, but he was forced off after just half an hour. The £100 million man has struggled with injuries in what has been a stop-start season for him.

After enduring similar issues in the last campaign, the next few months could be pivotal in his future at the club. Grealish had a promising start in the first leg and will hope for another opportunity on Wednesday.

Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake both started in the first leg but were absent from City’s squad at the weekend. When asked on Saturday if the pair would be available for the match against Real Madrid, Guardiola simply answered “I hope so!

“Ruben (Dias) said ‘I’m not ready to play 90 minutes, maybe 15 or 20’”, the Catalan explained. “And Nathan (Ake) had sickness and problems after Madrid.”

Despite these worries, both of City’s key central defenders took part in training today. Although they may not be at 100%, it is likely that they will both play from the start. Guardiola will need his most experienced defenders to counter Real Madrid’s attacking firepower.

Another of City’s important defenders has already been ruled out of the second leg in Madrid. Manuel Akanji was substituted at half-time in the first leg after picking up an injury.

Last Friday City’s boss confirmed that it is a serious issue for the Swiss international. Guardiola revealed that Akanji needs surgery and will spend “eight to ten weeks out.

“We wish the best recovery for Manuel, because the effort that he has done this season has been unbelievable.”

The only other absentees from training were Rodri and Oscar Bobb, who have both been out with long-term problems. With just three players missing, the Blues will travel to Madrid with a strong squad.

City know they need to overturn a one goal deficit in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. In the first leg, Guardiola’s side had been leading with just five minutes to go. However, two late goals from Real Madrid completely flipped the tie on its head. Now City have the mammoth task of defeating the European champions on their own patch.