Guardiola explains why Rodri was included in UCL squad despite injury

Clubs in the Champions League playoffs and knockout stages have released their updated squad list for the second-half of the competition. 

Despite their struggles in the league phase, the Cityzens made it out but will have to go through the playoffs, where they will face Real Madrid, for a spot in the round-of-16. 

The Premier League champions, like other teams that made it past the first round, released their squad list yesterday, and it included a surprising addition, Rodri. 

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The Balon d’Or winner has been injured since the 2-2 draw against Arsenal earlier in the season. He hurt his ACL, which put his participation for the rest of the campaign in doubt. 

Hence the surprise when he was included in Manchester City's squad list for the competition. 

The Cityzens boss Pep Guardiola was questioned about the surprising decision, and he admitted he does not expect Rodri to return this season and has even written off a possible contribution from the former Villarreal man. 

However, he revealed Rodri has started training on the grass, which opens up the possibility he could become available later in the season. His name was included for that reason. 

“I'd love to arrive in the last stages of the UCL and he could help, but I will not put one second of pressure,” Pep told reporters. “In my mind, next season is Rodri. In my mind, he’s not here. But maybe he comes back earlier and that would be good.”