Gonzalez, Ederson & Nunes injury latest and return dates as Man City handed huge Madrid boost

As Manchester City prepare for their huge Champions League play-off against Real Madrid, they’ve been handed a much-needed injury boost with several players returning to fitness ahead of the game. Despite recent struggles, the Blues are hoping to overcome last year’s heartbreak and take on Madrid in what promises to be an intense encounter. Here’s the latest on the injury front at the Etihad:

Nico González

Injury: Hip
Status: González had a tough debut, lasting just 20 minutes before hobbling off after a fall. Guardiola confirmed that while the injury was bad enough to force him off, it wasn’t serious enough to rule him out for the Real Madrid clash. He was seen training with the squad on Monday.

Possible return date: Tuesday, February 11 vs Real Madrid

Ederson

Injury: Fitness
Status: Ederson missed last week’s defeat to Arsenal due to a fitness issue and didn’t travel to Leyton Orient. With City’s focus on the Real Madrid match, Ederson was likely rested as part of the plan. He was back in training on Monday and will be assessed by Guardiola before the game.

Possible return date: Tuesday, February 11 vs Real Madrid

Jeremy Doku

Injury: Unknown
Status: Guardiola hasn’t revealed specifics about Doku’s injury, only saying that he’ll be out for a while. Doku missed the Arsenal game and the trip to Leyton Orient. However, he was spotted training with the squad on Monday, giving fans hope for his involvement.

Possible return date: Tuesday, February 11 vs Real Madrid

Nathan Aké

Injury: Unknown
Status: Aké has missed the last six games, but Guardiola hinted that there was positive news about his recovery ahead of the FA Cup match. Although he didn’t travel to London for the Orient game, Aké was seen training with the team ahead of the Madrid clash.

Possible return date: Tuesday, February 11 vs Real Madrid

Oscar Bobb

Injury: Leg
Status: Bobb was nearing a return after recovering from a broken leg but has now suffered a setback with an ankle issue. He didn’t train on Monday, and it’s uncertain when he’ll return to action.

Possible return date: Unknown

Matheus Nunes

Injury: Unknown
Status: Nunes was absent for the Leyton Orient game and didn’t train with the squad on Monday. His absence looks likely to extend into the Madrid clash, leaving his return date unclear.

Possible return date: Unknown

Rodri

Injury: ACL
Status: Rodri’s ACL injury continues to keep him sidelined, and although he has expressed a desire to return before the season ends, Guardiola has emphasized that rushing him back wouldn’t be wise. The midfielder is currently focused on recovery and will miss the remainder of this season.

Possible return date: June 2025

With key players like González, Ederson, Doku, and Aké returning to training, Guardiola’s squad has been given a boost just in time for their crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid. However, Nunes, Bobb, and Rodri’s absence remains a concern as City aim to advance past the Spanish giants.