Our Croatian midfielder last featured in City’s 2-0 win at Villarreal last October and has made just two appearances off the bench all season.
The experienced 31 year-old has clocked up 90 appearances for the Blues since joining from Chelsea in 2023, scoring 10 goals.
Kovacic has suffered with an ankle problem for much of the season, but at his Friday press conference, Pep said: “Mateo is training much better every day.”
He also added that Rico Lewis “still has a sore ankle” and remains unavailable.
Watch Pep’s full embargo section of his pre-West Ham press conference by playing the video above.
Watch City v Real Madrid from hospitality!
See the latest instalment of a European classic in style!
Two of the best sides in the world lock horns again, with this year’s Round of 16 tie to be decided at the Etihad on Tuesday 17 March.
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