Manchester City has been handed double injury boost ahead of Champions League clash with AS Monaco as two key players, Rodri and Rayan Cherki have both returned to first-team training raising hopes of a stronger squad for Wednesday night’s clash in France.
Softfootball reports that Pep Guardiola’s side head into the game unbeaten in five matches across all competitions after a 5-1 win over Burnley at the weekend. Rodri missed the win against Burnley after complaining of pain in his knee in Friday’s training session. The 29-year-old was feeling the problem in the same knee that he injured last September as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
Summer signing Rayan Cherki also trained with the squad after missing six games with a thigh injury. Guardiola originally predicted the French midfielder would not return until November, so his early comeback is a pleasant surprise. His fitness level is still being assessed, and he may only be fit enough for a place on the bench.
According to Fabrizio Romani reporting via his Facebook page, the two important players were seen training with the squad on Tuesday morning ahead of crucial Champions League match against Monaco on Wednesday. The post reads:
BREAKING: Rodri and Rayan Cherki are back in training with Manchester City squad.
Rayan Cherki and Rodri’s presence in Tuesday’s training session suggests they are close to recovery, though their place in the starting lineup is not yet certain. City staff will reportedly make a late call on his involvement to avoid aggravating the injury.
The £34million midfielder started against Tottenham but was then ruled out of the trip to Brighton at the end of August and was expected to be absent for two months.
Mateo Kovacic continued his recovery as he seeks a first appearance since May, having undergone Achilles surgery this summer. Kalvin Phillips was also part of the session. The midfielder isn’t in the club’s Champions League squad but continues to train and is available for Premier League fixtures.
City remain without a trio of first-team players, with Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush missing. All three could be available again after the international break.
Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford both trained on Tuesday, but there was no sign of Stefan Ortega or Marcus Bettinelli. All four goalkeepers had trained with the squad prior to the win against Napoli.
Guardiola is expected to provide the latest team news in his pre-match press conference in Monaco. With Rodri and Cherki possibly available, City will hope to keep their unbeaten run alive and take a big step toward the Champions League knockout rounds.
