There are also warm words following our Under 18s’ successful defence of the Pemier League Cup on Tuesday night which saw City’s youngsters beat Stoke 6-0 in the final showpiece.
Still plenty to ponder over so without further ado...
News
goal.com – Real duo set to miss City clash?
Chris Burton: “Real Madrid are set to be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for the foreseeable future, while Brazilian defender Marcelo is also nursing a knock.
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“Los Blancos are likely to be without Belgian international Courtois for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter with Manchester City after seeing their first-choice goalkeeper pick up an untimely injury.
“Real have confirmed that the Belgium international is nursing a groin complaint.
“Courtois was able to see 90 minutes of La Liga action against Real Betis on Sunday, as Zinedine Zidane’s side suffered a shock 2-1 defeat.
“He was, however, spotted hobbling in the aftermath of that contest, raising fears as to his involvement in upcoming fixtures.
“Courtois is, however, not the only one being forced to step in during the enforced absence of an injured team-mate.
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“Zidane will also need to find another left-back to counter the loss of Marcelo, with the Brazil international having joined Courtois in the treatment room at Santiago Bernabeu.
“He lasted just under an hour against Betis over the weekend before being replaced by Ferland Mendy due to a thigh problem, with it unclear when the South American will come back into contention.”
Manchester Evening News – City’s next generation make their name
Joe Bray: “The next generation of Manchester City youngsters are already making a name for themselves as they won the U18 Premier League Cup on Wednesday in a ruthless 6-0 final performance against Stoke.
“Last season, City U18s won this competition with a 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough thanks to Felix Nmecha‘s goal, but the striker was not involved this year in what was a young side.
“City coach Gareth Taylor hinted he would use a different group of players to his FA Youth Cup squad that has reached the semi-finals of that competition. That meant the likes of Tommy Doyle, Rowan McDonald, Jayden Braaf or Taylor Harwood-Bellis were not involved at all.
“Instead, Taylor was entrusting the group that had scored 19 goals en route to this final, including Liam Delap - son of Stoke favourite Rory.
“And the young side rose to the occasion in devastating fashion to win the first trophy of the season for the academy, showing there is another generation of talent more than ready to come through and win silverware for the club by playing attractive, attacking football.”
Transfer news
dailymail.com – Leipzig ace torn between City, Liverpool and United
Will Griffee: “RB Leipzig star Timo Werner is still undecided over his future and has named three Premier League teams – including City - as factoring in his choice.
“The Germany international is uncertain over whether to join an established club like Liverpool and Manchester City, or one needing ‘big changes’ like Manchester United.
“Werner said: “At this time in professional soccer there are two different variations.
“The first is to be part of a team like Liverpool or Manchester City. They have a good working team. The teams have also great coaches.
“But this is the question: do you want to go to that kind of team, because the situation is already that hard for each member and you want to be a part of it? That’s one point you have to look at.”
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