Man City News

Man City gifted potential Champions League boost ahead of Real Madrid tie – Report

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Man City take on 13-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in the Last 16 on Friday, a make-or-break encounter for our season and European challenge – but manager Pep Guardiola could be boosted by the return of Sergio Aguero if we do manage to get past the Galacticos. 

As detailed in the Manchester Evening News, City have added another player to their 23-man European squad whilst keeping the Argentine included despite his injury status.

Will City get past Real Madrid?

Yes, bring them on

No, too weak defensively

Aguero picked up a knock during our 5-0 win over Burnley in late June, being out of action ever since, and while he may not be available for our Madrid clash this week, if we were to get past Zinedine Zidane’s side, the fact Guardiola has not removed his name from the shortlist bodes well for his eventual comeback.

How crucial is Aguero’s return?

Having been in scintillating goalscoring form again this season, Aguero has managed 23 goals in all competitions whilst finding the net 0.99 times per match on average – among the highest goal to minutes ratios in the Premier League.

While fellow City attackers Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and top scorer Raheem Sterling have managed 45 goals combined this season in the league alone – Aguero’s innovation in the final third has proved crucial to us at times throughout his Sky Blue career.

Can we win the Champions League without him?

Judging by the fact he is still in our 23-man shortlist, we may not have to think about this eventuality too much, but if he doesn’t return in time to play a part during our campaign, it might not bode well given his goalscoring contributions.

However, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes we can still get past Real and do the job in Europe without his presence – going on to challenge City players to ‘step up’ in an interview with the club’s official website. 

“We have to deal with injuries, as we did in the season with Aymeric [Laporte] not being available,” explained the German.

“We have to do the same now with Sergio’s situation. I am sure we will be able to do that.

“Other players will have to step up. We have Gabby [Jesus], who is an amazing player, but we also have different players who can play as a false nine.

“I am sure we will be able to deal with it, but of course, we will miss him.”

The final verdict…

While Aguero will not be available for the Madrid game, the fact he might be for our proceeding ties, if we do get past them, should be cause for celebration.

If City are to make history with our first ever European title win, we will need all the help we can get.

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