Manchester City Injury News: Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake Return, John Stones Absent From Pep Guardiola’s Squad

Manchester City fans are in for a treat with notable players making their return to the squad against Luton Town. Pep Guardiola made his playing XI official before the game against Luton with skipper Kyle Walker, returning to the squad following a brief spell on the sidelines. The English right-back, picked up a knock during the international friendlies last month and has been absent since then. His return to the squad is an enormous boost for the team, with the player now in line to play against Real Madrid in the upcoming week.

Apart from the Manchester City captain, fellow defender Nathan Ake is also back on the bench. The Dutchman picked up a hamstring injury last month and missed the subsequent weeks heading into the game at home. While the team will be on cloud nine with the two returns, midfielder John Stones has been left out of the squad. Stones returned from injury last week against Real Madrid, but was reportedly playing despite the pain. It seems like the team management has provided the player some much-needed rest before the second-leg game against Los Blancos.

It seems like Pep Guardiola has made another crucial change to his team. Rodri, who has been a wall for the team in the midfield, has also been rested for the game. The player complained about not getting rest after his sloppy outing against Madrid, and it looks like Guardiola agrees with his star man. Fans will hope that the team can avoid picking any more injuries before their clash against Real Madrid, with the first leg between the two teams ending in a high-scoring 3-3 draw.

Manchester City take a cautious approach against Luton Town

The lineup against Luton Town is a clear indication of Manchester City’s tactics heading into the upcoming week. Pep Guardiola has expected to rest Phil Foden, Rodri, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva from the playing XI. All four players are expected to be a crucial part of the team against Madrid, and the management does not want to risk their fitness. With the team currently leading against Luton, fans can expect the manager to rest both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, in hopes of keeping them fresh for the next set of games.

While Manchester City are surely the favorites heading into the second-leg, the team cannot take any chances. It’s never over when you are against Real Madrid, especially with the game hanging in the balance. Pep Guardiola’s side has been unbeaten at home for the last 36 outings and will use that as an advantage against Los Blancos. The defending Champions League champions have every right to fancy their chances, and it wouldn’t be a mistake to predict a win for the Cityzens before the opening whistle!