As per the reports Pep Guardiola is making a surprise move by registering injured midfielder Rodri in Man City’s squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Rodri suffered an ACL injury in September while playing against Arsenal, in which match the City side drew 2-2, and after surgery, he was ruled out for the rest of the 2020-21 season. However, Rodri is determined to return earlier than expected, and Guardiola may summon him to his side if City finds their way into the latter stage. With a massive playoff tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich looming in the distance, it looks like Pep is keeping his options open in City’s chase for European glory.
City Set To Register Rodri Amid Champions League Play-Off Challenge
Rodri is ready to take part in the Champions League knockout stage squad by Man City, although he is long-term injured, according to what The Telegraph says. The Spanish midfielder began his recovery from his ACL injury sustained in September, and he had been in recovery for the last few months. His determination to come back could spur Guardiola to keep him as an option. With a dramatic comeback to secure play-off participation against Club Brugge on the final day of the league, they now brace for a huge task to take on either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the next round.
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Squad Changes And Rodri’s Road to Recovery
After the league phase, clubs are allowed three substitutions in their squads, and Man City have exploited this rule well. With Kyle Walker going on loan to AC Milan, City pulled in Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rodri should take the last available place in Guardiola’s squad. City will have to overcome either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-off round-then they will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the last 16. But Rodri stays focused on his recovery and hopes to return in time to help City’s quest for silverware. Next up is a massive Premier League clash against Arsenal for Guardiola’s side on Sunday at the Emirates.
