Manchester City boost before second leg vs Real Madrid

Manchester City continue to search for their first Champions League trophy and many fans seem to believe that this is finally their season, with Erling Haaland adding a new dimension to Pep Guardiola’s side. The problem for them is that Real Madrid stand in their way, looking for their fifteenth European crown.

Real Madrid have been incredible in cup competitions during Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint as the manager of the club. There seems to be an aura around Los Blancos, that they cannot be defeated over two legs.

That will be put to the test in midweek though, when they take the trip to Manchester for the second leg. The tie is 1-1 on aggregate at the moment. Vinicius Junior had given Real Madrid the lead in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu but Kevin De Bruyne made sure that it ended in a draw.

Now, it is all to play for in the second leg. And it looks like Manchester City could be handed an injury boost heading into the game.

Manchester City boost before second leg vs Real Madrid

Manchester City are set to face Everton this weekend. As reported by the club’s official website, Guardiola said about the situation of Nathan Ake while speaking in his pre-match press conference:

"“I think he’s much better but I don’t know.“Today we finally had a day off.“Now we have training in a few hours and we will see.”"

Of course, Ake missed the trip to Madrid due to an injury. And it is very possible that Manchester City lined up as they did, due to his absence.

Ake has established himself as a key player for Manchester City this season. As a result, if he is available for the game against Real Madrid, then that would come as a major boost for Guardiola’s side. The fact that the Dutchman has not been ruled out of the weekend’s game against Everton does suggest that he is closing in on fitness.