Rodri reveals fresh Manchester City injury concern sustained during Real Madrid classic

Manchester City will be monitoring the fitness of one defender more closely in the coming days after Rodri revealed a new problem in the squad’s rearguard.

Pep Guardiola and his players showed their Champions League holder credentials in a thrilling contest at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, coming from behind to ensure they will bring a positive result to the Etihad Stadium next week.

Bernardo Silva’s opening goal inside two minutes was cancelled out by a Ruben Dias own goal and Rodrygo effort on the counter-attack, before Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol’s second-half stunners would be responded to by an equally brilliant Federico Valverde effort.

While Manchester City will no doubt be positive about the result and overall performance in the Spanish capital, it has now been revealed that one of their first-team stars was struggling towards the end of the clash with an injury concern.

Speaking after Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, Rodri revealed that John Stones was suffering from muscular tightness during the closing exchanges of the match and ‘had some problems’.

The Spanish midfielder explained, as relayed by MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, “John (Stones) was tight and had some problems at the end but he showed his courage because he knew that the team needed him.”

Rodri continued, “He didn’t say ‘I need to go’, he stayed until the end – this is the kind of thing we’re going to need.”

Pep Guardiola is likely to provide a comprehensive update on the fitness of his squad when he faces the media on Friday afternoon, as Manchester City turn attentions back to the Premier League and their upcoming clash with Luton Town at the Etihad Stadium.

While John Stones will no doubt be among the questions concerning squad fitness, supporters will likely be wanting a further update on the recovery processes being undertaken by Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.

Both defenders were absent from Manchester City’s travelling squad for the contest against Real Madrid, but could be eyeing the second-leg as the ideal opportunity to contribute once more for Pep Guardiola’s side.