Manchester City chose not to risk Josko Gvardiol after the defender picked up a minor injury in the
Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola had spoken of the importance of Gvardiol for the next few weeks, with Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake injured. The Croatian started at Selhurst Park but was taken off at half-time, with Manuel Akanji replacing him. City manager Guardiola did not appear to think the problem was too serious but confirmed that the substitution was precautionary to avoid a risk. “The reason for Josko coming off was because he felt a niggle and we didn’t want to risk any injuries,” he told TNT. ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Crystal Palace as Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne star ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola bold gambles help Man City add to
Real Madrid nerves "We will see which players we have available because Josko had a little problem. We will see. Next one. We were unlucky to play early on after Aston Villa but now lucky we have time to recover before Real Madrid. We will try to give them a good game. "Manuel Akanji pushes a lot and is unbelievable playing at left-back. He is an incredible players. Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb were really good on that side in the first half. We wanted to score early in the second half and then we could close the game." City were able to field John Stones in the team for the first time since the draw with
Liverpool before the international break. Goalkeeper Ederson was back in the squad but had to make do with a place on thee bench as Stefan Ortega continued between the posts.