Manchester City are gearing up for a highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, with the Premier League giants welcoming Los Blancos to the Etihad Stadium this Wednesday for the second leg.
Guardiola's men drew 3-3 at Santiago Bernabeu, which means all will be decided in the reverse fixture. Fortunately for the reigning European champions, they have received major boosts ahead of this crucial fixture.
As revealed by the Telegraph, Pep looks set to welcome two key players back from injury in time for the second leg, starting with Kyle Walker, who has not featured for the last three weeks. The right-back suffered a hamstring issue during England's 1-0 loss to Brazil in the recent international break, and while his absence has not been drastically felt, Pep will be glad to welcome him back.
The Englishman was an unused substitute in the 5-1 demolition of Luton Town on Saturday but the player believes he can play against Real Madrid, who will look to Vinicius Jr. for inspiration down the flanks.
And that's not all! John Stones, who picked up an issue in the first leg and was subsequently forced to sit out the Luton Town clash, is expected to be available for the second leg. Furthermore, with Ederson returning to goal on Saturday, Pep has a nearly fully-fit squad for Wednesday's fixture.
Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Josko Gvardiol all got on the scoresheet in the first leg but the Cityzens were unable to come away with a win. However, the Premier League giants boast the home advantage and will look to repeat their 2022-23 heroics when they thrashed Los Blancos 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Additionally, with Arsenal and Liverpool both losing on Sunday, Foden and Co. have gone top of the Premier League, moving two points clear of the Gunners and Klopp's side.
A win on Wednesday would see Manchester City through to the UEFA Champions League final, and with Haaland and Co. facing the struggling Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals, the hunt for a second consecutive treble is on for Pep's side.
