News

Manchester City handed pair of injury boosts ahead of Real Madrid clash


Manchester City have been handed a boost on the injury front ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid as Kyle Walker has been spotted training 24 hours before the game.

Walker and John Stones were expected to miss the first leg, but the latter rushed back to take part, only to be withdrawn after half an hour with a reoccurrence of his injury. Walker, however, was spared the trip.

And now, a week later, he looks set to return, which will come as a massive boost to the Manchester City faithful. Pep Guardiola will also be boosted by the return of previously suspended Joao Cancelo, meaning that both flanks of his side's leaky defence will be bolstered.

It will also prevent Fernandinho from having to test his ageing legs against the electric Vinicius Jr, as he was asked to do for much of the first leg.

More good news for City

Meanwhile there is added good news for Manchester City as Los Blancos will be without key man David Alaba. The Austrian defender, who has been a key cornerstone of their success this season, limped off in the barnstorming first leg to be replaced by Nacho Fernandez.

And, as Real Madrid lifted the La Liga title at the weekend, Alaba watched on from the sidelines, and has not trained since, making him 'almost certainly out' for the game against Guardiola's side.

On the team news front then, it seems to be advantage City.

Read more:

Real Madrid vs Manchester City live streaming: Watch UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg online

Villarreal CF vs Liverpool live streaming: Watch UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg online

Ben Browning

Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.


Related Content