Man City XI vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

The 28-year-old, who only recently returned from a hamstring injury, was forced off during the 2-1 win over Leeds on Saturday with an apparently calf problem. Kyle Walker was swiftly called upon to replace the Dutch centre-back.

Ake has been one of City’s most impressive performers since the turn of the year, stepping up following Joao Cancelo’s loan exit in January, but was absent from training on Monday and now Pep Guardiola is being forced into a re-think.

Manuel Akanji could move over to the left side of defence to cover Ake, as he did against Arsenal, while left-footed defender Aymeric Laporte is another option. Young right-back Rico Lewis deputised in the latter stage of the weekend win, with Walker on the opposite flank.

Guardiola could use Walker against the livewire talents of Vinicius Jr.

In more positive news, Kevin De Bruyne returned from fitness to start against Leeds after missing the previous two games. Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, though, were the stars of the show, with two goals and two assists between them, and will be hoping to start the titantic Santiago Bernabeu clash.

John Stones, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were all rested against Leeds so should come in.

Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland

Date: 8pm BST, Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

TV and live stream: BT Sport

Referee: Artur Dias (Portugal)

Man City squad from: Ederson, Ortega, Carson, Walker, Ruben Dias, Stones, Ake, Laporte, Gomez, Akanji, Lewis, Phillips, Gundogan, Grealish, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez, Perrone, Foden, Palmer, Haaland, Alvarez

Injured: Ake (calf), Palmer (foot)