Manchester City has been handed a massive boost ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Real Madrid following Raheem Sterling's return. The 26-year-old England international traveled with the team to Spain's capital for the Last 16 encounter after recovery in time from a hamstring injury.
Raheem Sterling failed to feature for Manchester City in the last two successive wins over West Ham and Leicester after limping off in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at the beginning of February. Although the former Liverpool winger's absence was barely felt, his impact for the Citizens cannot be understated as he's managed 11 goals and an assist in the Premier League.
In Europe, he ranks as the Etihad outfit's top-scorer with five goals and two assists in six appearances. Ahead of the showdown in Madrid, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the attacker is ready and fit to be involved.
"Yeah, Raheem is fit," the Spanish manager declared.
"His natural physical condition, his regeneration is amazing.
"He said to us, 'I could have played the West Ham game, I could have played against Leicester'.
"The doctor said to be careful because of the timing. With this injury it's always three weeks, one month and after 15 days he wanted to play.
"That's a good sign. He's fit, he's ready."
On the contrary, Real Madrid will fancy its chances against City without Eden Hazard as the Belgian is set for another spell on the sidelines. Against Levante on Saturday, the former Chelsea star - who recently recovered from an ankle injury - suffered a relapse that could see him miss the next couple of months.
"It's very bad he's not here," Guardiola with regards to Hazard.
"I had the honor of watching and suffering him in England! "To see him close you think, 'What a player'. I wish he was here. He is a magnificent player."
