Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed a 21-man travelling squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against AS Monaco on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Stade Louis II. Softfootball understands that the update was given via the team’s official website.
City head into the game looking to build on their bright start to the competition, a strong opening-day win over Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli and a confident 5-1 victory against Burnley in the league last weekend.
Among the big talking points is the inclusion of Rodri, who’s shaken off a slight knee issue that kept him out of action at the weekend. Softfootball revealed earlier that the Spaniard, alongside Ryan Cherki trained with the group and was cleared to make the trip. Mateo Kovačić is also back, ready to feature for the first time this season after recovering from an Achilles injury.
The squad flew out of Manchester Airport on Tuesday afternoon, touching down in Nice ahead of their journey to Monaco.
Goalkeepers
James Trafford, Marcus Bettinelli, Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly
Midfielders
Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb
Forwards
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Divine Mukasa
Notably, Rayan Cherki, who only just returned from a hamstring injury, did train this week but hasn’t been risked, a decision Guardiola described as management. He last played in late August and will continue working his way back to full match fitness.
There’s also no place for Emilio Lawrence, despite his involvement in senior training sessions.
City’s form looks promising heading into this one, with wins piling up in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, where they advanced past Huddersfield Town with a tidy 2-0 away result.
Guardiola, speaking briefly before departure, hinted that Rodri’s presence could be key, claiming he is an important player for the team.
The return of Kovacic adds depth to a midfield already buzzing with talent, while the likes of Haaland, Doku, and Foden are expected to lead the charge in attack.
City will be hoping to keep their strong run going, but against Monaco, especially away, in a competition where there’s never an easy night.
Wow, City are flying out to Monaco! Its like a football United Airlines special trip just for the Champions League. Rodri back and ready to boss the midfield – almost as ready as I am to mock Monacos chances. Kovacics return adds even more wow factor, though I wonder if hell be more useful than my attempts at gardening. Haaland, Doku, and Foden – thats a forward line that could probably score against a sleeping lion. Good luck to the Citizens, though Ill be rooting for a slightly less dominant victory just to keep it interesting. And Cherki sitting out? Sounds like Guardiolas version of useless but expensive. Lets see how Citys rotation style plays out against Monaco – should be a cracker!