Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he would be without star striker Sergio AgA?ero in the Group D opener against UEFA Champions League finalists Juventus, but had better news regarding David Silva and Raheem Sterling
Manchester City have been handed another tough group in the UEFA Champions League in 2015/2016, but early-season form seems to suggest they should have few problems in making it through to the knock-out stages. While the Citizens have won each of their opening five games in the league, their Group D opponents Juventus, Sevilla and Borussia M nchengladbach have failed to win a league game between them so far.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be further boosted by the news of David Silva’s return, with the Spain international expected to be passed fit for Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad. However, Sergio AgA?ero will be a noticeable absentee after picking up an injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed midfielder Claudio Marchisio would miss what is likely to be the Bianconeri’s toughest group game, but revealed he had enough options in midfield to cause Manchester City some problems.
AgA?ero ruled out for Manchester City, David Silva passed fit
Sergio AgA?ero will miss the opening game of his side’s UEFA Champions League campaign, as will long-term absentees Pablo Zabaleta, Fabian Delph and Ga l Clichy. However, there is positive news on David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Samir Nasri, with the Silva and Sterling in particular expected to be ready to face Serie A champions Juventus.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Group D meeting, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is quoted by the club’s . official website as saying: “Thata s why when you have choose your squad for season ita s important to have two players for every position.
“We have injuries, it’s difficult with the amount of games and intensity of the Premier League not to have injuries. In this case we have a lot of problems, but I trust this squad 100 per cent.”
Allegri confirms Marchisio will miss Manchester City clash
The former AC Milan manager has confirmed that Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s clash against City, while German international Sami Khedira continues to remain sidelined as he recovers from his thigh injury.
However, Allegri was keen to stress that he has quality options in midfield for his side’s Champions League opener. “I have five midfielders available and wea ll see if I go with three or four,” the Italian is quoted as saying by the club’s official website.
“I wona t be revealing my team just yet. I need to have a good think about things because Saturdaya s game was an energy-sapping one.
“Hernanes played well, seeing as he hadna t featured in a competitive game for a while, as did Alex Sandro. Cuadrado also looked good, ita s important for us to play to his strengths and give him the right support.”