In the first leg of Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola concedes that some of his players “will play in places they aren’t used to.”
Kyle Walker and John Stones are both in a race against time to recover from ankle and muscular problems, while Joao Cancelo will serve a one-match European suspension.
Guardiola told reporters ahead of their match against Los Blancos at the Etihad Stadium that both Walker and Stones are doubtful, adding that some players would be forced to play out of position if they are not fit to play.
“Today we have a training session to check how the players are doing.” The lineup will be decided tonight or tomorrow. At his Monday press conference, the Spaniard added, “I’m waiting for the training session to see how they feel.”
“I’m sure players will be put in positions they’re not used to, but they’ll give it their all.”
“[Walker and Stones] are doubts; Kyle hasn’t trained in ten days, and John hasn’t trained since Brighton.” As a result, I’m not sure if they’ll train. We’ll watch how they react and make a choice tomorrow.”
