Joleon Lescott says the availability of Rodrigo for Wednesday’s Champions League away clash with RB Leipzig is a big positive point for City.

Lescott, alongside Mick McCarthy and Keith Curle, was a star guest in the Matchday Live studio for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves.

After analysing the loss at Molineux, attention soon turned to the UCL encounter at the Red Bull Arena in Group G.

Midfield powerhouse Rodrigo missed the defeats to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and Wolves in the Premier League as part of his three-game suspension, which also includes the top-flight clash at Arsenal next Sunday.

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But the central star, who scored the winning goal in the 2022/23 UCL final in Istanbul three months ago, comes back into contention this midweek against Marco Rose’s men as City aim for six points from our opening two games in the competition.

And Lescott believes his availability is a big plus point for Pep Guardiola’s sky blues.

“I am sure Rodri will come back into the team. He’s available.

“I think he’s a miss. I think he has a massive impact and massive influence on attack and defence.”

Fellow guest Curle, who served City with distinction for five years between 1991 and 1996, agreed that Rodrigo’s return will be huge.

“He’s got a level of consistency. He’s got a calmness,” added the 59-year-old.

“He’s a player who’s got a presence that you need.

“Wednesday is a different competition, different mindset and probably a good distraction to have in that you pick over the bones of the [Wolves] performance and then very quickly the focus is on Wednesday. It’s a big game.”