Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Latest City injury news and predicted City starting XI

Madrid—Manchester City arrived at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday evening with only two senior players missing ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 first-leg duel against Real Madrid. Defender Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined with the tibial fracture he suffered against Chelsea in early 2026 and is not expected back until the closing weeks of the campaign, while midfielder Mateo Kovacic—recovering from Achilles surgery—has resumed training but has been left out of the travelling party as a precaution.

The relative clean bill of health allowed Pep Guardiola to name a full-strength squad, headlined by Erling Haaland, who was rested for Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory at Newcastle United. The Norwegian’s availability gives City a sharp edge against a Madrid outfit missing seven first-team regulars, including Eder Militao, David Alaba, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Guardiola is expected to favour experience and territorial dominance, fielding a midfield quartet anchored by Rodri and featuring Bernardo Silva, Nico, and the versatile Rayan Cherki, whose ability to drift in from the right could help City outnumber Madrid in central areas. At the back, Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are tipped to continue their partnership, while the manager must decide whether to deploy in-form defender Abdukodir Khusanov—lauded for his pace and game intelligence—at right-back to counter Vinicius Junior or keep him as cover through the middle.

Further forward, the trio of Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush and Savinho have all pressed their claims after lively showings against Newcastle. Marmoush’s brace at St James’ Park and his prior link-up with Haaland and Antoine Semenyo in the comeback win at Anfield make him a strong option should Guardiola opt for an extra attacker rather than a conventional winger.

With progression to the quarter-finals at stake, City will look to impose their familiar possession game and leave Madrid with a commanding result before the return leg at the Etihad.

Predicted Manchester City starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Guehi, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo, Nico; Cherki, Haaland, Foden.