Grave Blow for City Days Before Hosting Real Madrid, Guardiola Desperate

Injuries are being a major headache this season for several teams. Especially for Real Madrid and Manchester City, who also face each other in the Champions League. The play-off tie will be marked by the absences that each team will have.

In recent days, Rüdiger and Alaba fell, leaving Ancelotti in a delicate position without central defenders. But Guardiola has seen the forces equalized after the latest news. Meanwhile, the Citizens add a new injured player to face Real Madrid.

It is Nico González, one of the signings that had arrived in the winter market to strengthen City. He had been chosen to solve the problem caused by Rodri's absence. 20 minutes into his debut, he had to leave the field.

New setback for Guardiola days before receiving Real Madrid at the Etihad this Tuesday. It doesn't come at a good time for him and also disrupts the plans he made in January. City has made a significant outlay in the market to solve problems, but there is a new one.

A Champions League Tie Marked by the Absences Both Teams Have

The Champions League this season has left us with a big surprise, and it is Manchester City. For some, they were the top favorite to win the title, even ahead of Real Madrid. But the truth is they struggled more than expected to make it to the next round of this edition.

That resulted in a blockbuster clash in the round of 16, Manchester City and Real Madrid, the last two champions. One of them won't even reach the round of 16, being the first big shock. Additionally, it will be a duel with numerous absentees.

For the first leg, we already know that neither Rüdiger nor Alaba will be there, and Nico has been the latest absence to be known. However, for the return leg, it is a big question mark if any of them will be able to make it. Ancelotti and Guardiola will have to find solutions for the problems they have in their line-ups.