Pep Guardiola received a significant boost to his first-team options this week with the return of four names to training ground action on Thursday.Manchester City are currently in the process of

Real Madrid has confirmed a second injury to a first team star which will likewise severely affect planning for a Champions League showdown with Manchester City.

The top eight teams from the group stage await their challengers, including Manchester City and Real Madrid, who are set for a thrilling encounter. Manchester City vs Real Madrid:

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.

Manchester City will face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. The teams who finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase of the tournament will play two-legged play-off ties on 11-12 and 18-19 February to decide who advances to the round of 16.

As per details provided by the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Manchester City will only be able to register three new signings for their squad for the second stage of the UEFA Champions League, with submitted by Thursday 6 February.

Real Madrid learned its opponents for the Champions League playoff round earlier, knowing it would be Manchester City or Celtic. Los Blancos were drawn against the 2023 competition winners and Premier League Champion Manchester City.

Real Madrid confirmed a huge injury blow which will severly affect head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for this month’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces a selection headache as he will need to omit one of the club's January signing from the Champions League knockout stages ahead of Thursday's deadline.