Big boost for Real Madrid as Manchester City superstar a doubt for UCL showdown | OneFootball

Real Madrid are gearing up for an important few matches ahead, starting with this weekend’s encounter against Celta Viga.

This will be followed by a Champions League affair against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu. It will be a must-win game for a Real Madrid side currently standing fifth in the league phase of the European competition.

A defeat, after all, could allow clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Man City themselves to overtake Los Blancos, potentially knocking them out of top eight.

Big boost for Real Madrid

However, heading into this mighty clash, Real Madrid have been handed a major boost as Manchester City’s star player Rodri is a major doubt.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish midfielder is struggling to recover in time for next Wednesday’s showdown.

The Ballon d’Or winner has suffered a relapse of a hamstring injury he originally picked up on October 5. Although he made a very brief return against Bournemouth in early November, the muscle problem has flared up again.

Rodri is a major doubt for Real Madrid clash. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Rodri will definitely miss their league game against Sunderland this weekend.

When pressed about the midfielder’s chances of making the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola was coy.

“He’s improving, but I don’t know how much longer he needs to be ready,” Guardiola said on Friday.

When asked directly if Rodri would play in Madrid, he simply smiled and replied, “Ask me again in Madrid,” he said.

The absence of Rodri, who was a Real Madrid target for the longest period, will be a massive boost for Los Blancos, as it would deplete Man City of a midfielder who can orchestrate things in the middle of the park and take the game away from the opposition.