![Manchester City has included injured midfielder Rodri in their Champions League knockout phase squad, signaling optimism about his potential return this season. The Spanish international, who suffered an ACL tear against Arsenal on September 22, has targeted an April comeback, coinciding with the Champions League quarterfinals which begin April 8. In meeting UEFA's Thursday midnight deadline for updated squad lists, City made strategic choices within the three-player limit for midseason transfers. The club opted to exclude recent Palmeiras signing Vitor Reis, while incorporating new arrivals Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov. The inclusion of Rodri, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 final against Inter Milan, comes as City faces a challenging path in the competition. Their immediate hurdle is a two-leg knockout playoff against Real Madrid, scheduled for next Tuesday and February 19. The victor will advance to face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. Pep Guardiola, speaking to reporters on Friday, maintained his focus on immediate challenges, particularly City's FA Cup match against Leyton Orient. "After the game [at Orient] we will come back early to Manchester and after we have time to start to talk [about Real Madrid]," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to treating each competition with equal importance. The City manager expressed particular enthusiasm about the addition of Nico Gonzalez, viewing the 23-year-old as crucial cover for Rodri's position. "It's a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri," Guardiola noted, adding, "I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. I'm really pleased from the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years."](https://www.claritynewsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Injured-Ballon-dOr-Winner-Gets-Surprise-Champions-League-Call-scaled.webp)
Manchester City has included injured midfielder Rodri in their Champions League knockout phase squad, signaling optimism about his potential return this season. The Spanish international, who suffered an ACL tear against Arsenal on September 22, has targeted an April comeback, coinciding with the Champions League quarterfinals which begin April 8.
In meeting UEFA’s Thursday midnight deadline for updated squad lists, City made strategic choices within the three-player limit for midseason transfers. The club opted to exclude recent Palmeiras signing Vitor Reis, while incorporating new arrivals Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
The inclusion of Rodri, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 final against Inter Milan, comes as City faces a challenging path in the competition. Their immediate hurdle is a two-leg knockout playoff against Real Madrid, scheduled for next Tuesday and February 19. The victor will advance to face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Pep Guardiola, speaking to reporters on Friday, maintained his focus on immediate challenges, particularly City’s FA Cup match against Leyton Orient. “After the game [at Orient] we will come back early to Manchester and after we have time to start to talk [about Real Madrid],” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to treating each competition with equal importance.
The City manager expressed particular enthusiasm about the addition of Nico Gonzalez, viewing the 23-year-old as a crucial cover for Rodri’s position. “It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri,” Guardiola noted, adding, “I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. I’m really pleased with the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years.”
About the author
British Man Faces 19 Years In Russian Prison After Capture In Ukraine War
A British man fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by a Russian court after being captured during combat operations. James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, received the sentence following a three-day closed military trial in Kursk, according to the regional court press service on Wednesday. The court found him guilty of "mercenary activities" and a "terrorist act." Anderson, reportedly captured in November during Ukraine's cross-border offensive in Russia's Kursk region, pleaded guilty to all charges. His sentence includes five years in prison before transfer to a penal colony for the remaining term. Court-released footage showed Anderson silently nodding after hearing his translated sentence. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a strong rebuke of the verdict, stating Anderson faced "false charges" and emphasizing international legal protections for prisoners of war. "Under international law, prisoners of war […]
North Korea Abruptly Cancels Tourism Weeks After Reopening Borders
North Korea has suspended tourist visits just weeks after allowing the first Western tourists to enter the country since its five-year closure. The country had sealed its borders in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and began gradually easing restrictions in mid-2023. While Russian visitors were permitted entry earlier in 2024, Western tourists were only allowed to visit the remote eastern city of Rason starting last month. Several tour companies have now announced that trips to the secretive nation have been cancelled indefinitely, with no explanation provided by North Korean authorities. "Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted," China-based KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean tourism, announced Wednesday on Facebook. Other agencies including Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also confirmed the suspension. Young Pioneer Tours advised […]
Trump Spares Car Industry From New Tariffs Placed On Mexico and Canada
US President Donald Trump has granted temporary relief to automakers from the new 25% import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, just one day after the tariffs were implemented. The White House announced the exemption while Trump continued criticizing Canada for allegedly failing to prevent drugs from entering the US. "Nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," Trump posted on social media following a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the economic disruption caused by the tariffs. The relief announcement helped US stock markets recover, with shares closing higher after two days of declines that had erased post-election gains in the S&P 500. The tariff exemption applies to vehicles manufactured in North America that comply with existing free trade agreement rules, which specify how much of a car must be produced in each country to qualify […]
Fifteen Hurt After South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs In Civilian District
Fifteen people in South Korea were injured, two of them seriously, after a pair of fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian district during a live-fire military exercise, local media reported. The incident involving the Air Force KF-16 aircraft took place at around 10:04 local time (01:04 GMT) in the city of Pocheon, near the border with North Korea. South Korea's Air Force said that it was investigating the incident and apologised for the damage, adding it would provide compensation to those affected. While shells from live firing exercises sometimes land near civilian residences, they rarely cause injuries. According to local media reports, two people suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders. A 60-year-old who was driving when the explosion happened had shrapnel lodged in their neck, Yonhap reported. "I was driving when I heard a 'bang'," they […]
New Zealand Ambassador Fired After Questioning If Trump Really Understands Churchill
New Zealand has dismissed its senior diplomat to the United Kingdom following comments that questioned US President Donald Trump's historical knowledge. High Commissioner Phil Goff was removed from his position after remarks made at a London event on Tuesday. Goff had drawn parallels between current efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the 1938 Munich Agreement that permitted Adolf Hitler to annex part of Czechoslovakia. During his speech, Goff referenced Winston Churchill's criticism of the Munich Agreement, then remarked: "President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?" New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters called Goff's comments "deeply disappointing" and declared his position "untenable." Goff's remarks came after Trump paused military aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his speech, Goff contrasted Trump […]
Elderly Man Killed As Attacker Stabs Five At Israeli Transit Hub
An elderly man has been killed and four others wounded in what police described as a terrorist stabbing attack at a major transportation hub in Haifa, northern Israel. The attack occurred at the HaMifratz Central train and bus station, where security guards shot and killed the attacker at the scene, according to police. The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that the deceased victim was approximately 70 years old. Those wounded include a 15-year-old boy and a man and woman in their 30s who are in serious condition, along with a 70-year-old woman who sustained moderate injuries. Police identified the attacker as an Israeli Druze man from Shfaram who had recently returned from abroad. Such attacks by members of Israel's Druze community are uncommon. The Druze are an ethnic and religious group whose faith developed from Shia Islam. Approximately 150,000 […]
Related
Liverpool Boss Slot Banned After Everton Drama As VAR Controversy Erupts
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a two-game touchline ban from the Football Association following his red card in the match against Everton. Slot was dismissed for approaching referee Michael Oliver on the pitch after the 2-2 Premier League draw at Goodison Park on February 12. He accepted the charge and was also fined £70,000. The ban means Slot will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool's home fixture against Newcastle and the subsequent match against Southampton on March 8. However, he will be permitted to resume his touchline duties for the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Paris St-Germain on March 5. Liverpool assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was also disciplined, receiving a two-game ban and a £7,000 fine. Both clubs faced financial penalties, with Liverpool fined £65,000 and Everton £50,000 for failing to control their players during the heated […]
Radio Host Fired After Making Offensive Comments On Women’s Football
An Australian radio presenter has departed from Triple M following controversial comments about the national women's football team that sparked widespread criticism. Marty Sheargold made remarks on air comparing the Matildas players to "year 10 girls" and suggesting their matches were boring. Despite issuing an apology Wednesday, Sheargold did not return to his usual time slot. Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Triple M's parent company, announced that Sheargold and the station had "mutually part ways." In his apology, Sheargold acknowledged the severity of his comments, offering a "sincere apology to the Matildas and the broader organisation." SCA's chief content officer Dave Cameron stated the company "takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously" and that its programming "should align with the standards and expectations of its audience." The controversy began during Sheargold's Monday afternoon show when he interrupted a sports […]
McDavid’s Overtime Winner Crowns Canada Champion in Inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off
Canada emerged victorious in the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament, defeating the United States 3-2 in overtime at Boston's TD Garden Arena on Thursday. Connor McDavid scored the decisive goal 8:18 into overtime, concluding a tournament that showcased elite talent from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. The championship game attracted significant attention, with ticket prices escalating in the lead-up to the finale. The game began with Canada taking an early lead as Nathan MacKinnon scored 4:48 into the first period with a well-placed wrist shot past American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The United States responded late in the period when Brady Tkachuk capitalized on a loose puck from Auston Matthews' attempted wrap-around. The Americans gained their first lead 7:31 into the second period when Jake Sanderson scored his first goal of the tournament, converting a deflected pass from […]
Teen Sensation Andreeva, 17, Shocks Swiatek In Dubai Quarters
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva has made history at the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek in a stunning 6-3 6-3 quarter-final victory. At just 17 years old, Andreeva becomes the youngest player ever to reach the tournament's semi-finals. The match, lasting one hour and 36 minutes, saw Andreeva demonstrate remarkable resilience. Despite falling behind 3-1 in the second set, she mounted an impressive comeback, winning five consecutive games to defeat the five-time Grand Slam champion from Poland. Andreeva's victory sets up a semi-final clash against either Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan or American Sofia Kenin. After the match, Andreeva acknowledged her pre-match nerves, referencing their previous encounter in Cincinnati last year where Swiatek emerged victorious. "I just told myself that I played great and I just need to continue to play aggressive and go for my shots," she […]
Spain Football Boss Found Guilty In World Cup Kiss Scandal
Spain's High Court has ruled that former football federation president Luis Rubiales is guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent during the 2023 Women's World Cup victory celebration. He has been ordered to pay a fine exceeding €10,000 (£8,275) but was acquitted of coercion charges. The incident occurred as Spain's team received their medals after defeating England in Sydney. Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips, an action that was broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide and sparked widespread protests demanding his resignation. During court proceedings, Rubiales maintained that he was "absolutely sure" of receiving Hermoso's consent, describing the kiss as an "act of affection" that was "completely spontaneous." However, Hermoso testified that she never gave permission for the kiss, stating that it had "stained one of the happiest days of my life." Prosecutors […]
Olympic Champion vs NFL Superstar: The Race That Could Break World Records
Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill are set to face off in a highly anticipated sprint showdown, bridging the gap between track and field and professional football. The matchup materialized after months of social media exchanges between the two athletes. Hill, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver, claimed he could outrun Lyles shortly after the sprinter's Olympic victory in the 100-meter event in Paris, where Lyles narrowly defeated Jamaica's Kishane Thompson. The rivalry intensified when Lyles displayed a "Tyreek could never" sign following his victory at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 2. Following this event, the athletes had their first direct communication, confirming their mutual interest in a genuine competition. "I'm not here to play around," Lyles emphasized to NBC News. "I'm dead serious about this. I'm going to bring everything I got for […]
Be the first to leave a comment