Manchester City’s Secret Weapon Returns Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

Nico González, signed from Porto for €60 million on the final day of the transfer window, is back in training after suffering an injury during his debut. And while Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped in his pre-match press conference before the Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, cameras at City's latest training session may have revealed his hidden ace.

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Guardiola Blasts Referees after González's Injury

A Debut to Forget

The Spanish midfielder’s first outing in a Manchester City shirt was far from ideal. Just 22 minutes into his FA Cup debut against Leyton Orient, he picked up an injury that forced him off the pitch. To make matters worse, his misfortune led directly to Leyton Orient’s opening goal.

"I think Nico (González) immediately understood what the Premier League and referees are like," Guardiola quipped after the match. Despite the setback, City turned things around, with Khusanov and De Bruyne securing a comeback victory.

Nico González Back in Action

Initially, it seemed unlikely that González would be available for the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid, even though he was included in City’s updated Champions League squad alongside Khusanov and Marmoush—both winter signings—along with the surprise addition of Rodri. The one left out? Vitor Reis, a €30 million signing from Palmeiras.

Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez and Jack Grealish during training

City never officially disclosed Nico’s injury status, but just a few days later, he was already back in full training. Looks like it was just a minor scare for the Barcelona academy graduate. "I hope he can be available. The kick was strong in that area. We have a few days, we’ll see," said Guardiola, leaving his inclusion against Real Madrid up in the air.

More Good News for Guardiola

Manchester City has more reasons to smile ahead of their clash with Los Blancos. Several key players have returned from injury, including:

Ederson
Nathan Aké
Jérémy Doku

However, the Sky Blues will still be without Oscar Bobb, who has been sidelined since August and has managed just one appearance this season. Will Nico González make a surprise appearance against Real Madrid?