Man City get huge boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

Manchester City have a huge boost ahead of the Champions League clash against Real Madrid, as one of their key players has returned just in time to readiness for the clash. 

The Cityzens face the champions tomorrow, first at the Etihad, before the return leg at the Bernabeu next week, in the newly introduced UCL playoffs for a place in the Round-of-16. 

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This has been the choice fixture in the competition in recent years; however, circumstances have dampened the excitement for the coming round. 

Both teams are suffering their worst domestic league campaign under their current manager, albeit to varying degrees, with the Cityzens having it worse, currently outside the top four halfway through the season. 

Worse still, both sides have had to deal with injury problems. Real Madrid are set to miss Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger for the clash. While Manchester City, despite enjoying the return of key players, were initially set to be without Nico Gonzalez for the outing. 

Much of Manchester City's struggles this season have been attributed to the absence of the injured Rodri; hence, in the winter transfer window, they brought in a replacement in Nico. 

He was immediately thrust into the starting lineup for the FA Cup clash against Leyton Orient, in which he had to be taken off around the 22nd minute following a nasty collision. 

It was initially feared he was set to be ruled out for a significant duration; however, the Cityzens announced today he is back in training and available to face Real Madrid tomorrow.