Manchester City’s Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol defender remains in doubt for tomorrow night’s mouth watering tussle with Real Madrid. The two teams meet at the Bernabeu in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. The European champions may have to face the La Liga leaders with a make shift back four. While it isn’t ideal the champions do have alternatives for the left-back position.
Speaking with the media in his pre-game press conference before tomorrow night’s massive match, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Gvardiol remains in doubt for tomorrow night’s game. The Croatian defender took his place with the 21-man travelling Manchester City squad but still may miss tomorrow’s match. When asked about Gvardiol’s condition, Guardiola told the media: “He travelled, but he is a doubt (for tomorrow).
“He is a doubt” 😔
Man City manager Pep Guardiola says Josko Gvardiol is a “doubt” while Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker haven’t travelled to Madrid. pic.twitter.com/67WeIpk5gr
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 8, 2024
The defensive options for Pep Guardiola are already limited with Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake both unavailable for the clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. His options at left-back will be severely depleted if Josko Gvardiol can not feature in the Champions League quarter-final match.
Pep Guardiola may have to go with either Manuel Akanji or Rico Lewis in the left-back role if Gvardiol can’t play. Both players are capable of stepping into the role if required. While Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol are the preferred options for Guardiola Akanji or Lewis can step into the role.
Attention will now shift to the announcement of Manchester City’s starting eleven to see if Josko Gvardiol comes up for the blockbuster clash.