Manchester City’s medical team remain busy as the club prepares for their crucial Champions League match against Juventus. While the injury list is still extensive, there’s a glimmer of hope for Pep Guardiola as Phil Foden may return after missing the Crystal Palace draw due to bronchitis.
The defensive line continues to be a concern for City. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji picked up injuries in the recent victory over Nottingham Forest, adding to the absence of John Stones. In midfield, Mateo Kovacic is also unavailable, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees.
One bright spot for City has been the emergence of Rico Lewis. The starlet has become the youngest to play every minute in this season’s Champions League, creating an impressive 13 chances. However, Lewis faces a Premier League suspension, though he remains eligible for Wednesday’s match.
Matheus Nunes has also been making his mark, providing three assists in his last three Champions League appearances. This productivity may see the Portuguese midfielder retain his place in Guardiola’s starting lineup.
Juventus, meanwhile, have seen some improvement in their injury situation. Star striker Dusan Vlahovic has returned after a three-week absence due to a thigh injury, and Nicolo Savona is back in contention. Savona will compete with former City defender Danilo for a full-back position, while Thiago Motta is likely to maintain Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti as his central defensive pairing.
However, the Italian side still has its share of injury concerns. Nico Gonzalez joins long-term absentees Juan Cabal and Bremer on the sidelines.
Andrea Cambiaso, Weston McKennie, and ex-City player Douglas Luiz trained with the team yesterday, but all three are likely to start the game on the bench.
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Perin; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, Danilo; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Weah; Vlahovic
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Nunes; Haaland
