Reigning Champions League holders Manchester City face possibly the toughest examination of their European credentials yet on Tuesday evening, travelling to the Bernabeu for the first leg of their quarter-final with Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola's men, as expected, ran out convincing 6-2 aggregate winners over Copenhagen in the last 16 to keep their dream of back-to-back European Cups alive, triumphing 3-1 home and away.
The Citizens also failed to keep a clean sheet during the weekend's Premier League affair with Crystal Palace, but their defensive frailties did not prove costly in a 4-2 success at Selhurst Park.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the Citizens' latest injury and suspension news ahead of the daunting trip to face Los Blancos, who edged out RB Leipzig to progress this far.
© Reuters
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: April 9 (vs. Real Madrid)
Kyle Walker is yet to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained while playing for England in March, and Guardiola recently revealed that the club doctors have affirmed that there is no chance of the defender being fit for the first leg. The City boss defiantly responded with "Kyle is Kyle", but he is seemingly fighting an uphill battle to make himself available.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: Unknown
Nathan Ake hurt his calf during Man City's goalless draw with Arsenal over the Easter weekend, and while Walker might have a slim chance of facing Real Madrid, the Dutchman is definitely unavailable.
© Reuters
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Knock
Possible return date: April 9 (vs. Real Madrid)
Yet another defensive concern for Guardiola to work around, Josko Gvardiol had to come off at half time against Crystal Palace due to a niggle, but he could shake off his knock in time for the trip to the Spanish capital.
MANCHESTER CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST
Manchester City have no suspended players for this match, but Ruben Dias will miss the return fixture at the Etihad if he picks up a yellow card on Tuesday.
Ben Knapton
