Manchester City have been given a welcome lift before their Champions League trip to Monaco.
Two key players, Rodri and Rayan Cherki, have both returned to first-team training, raising hopes of a stronger squad for Wednesday night’s clash in France.
🚨💙 Rodri and Rayan Cherki, back in training with Manchester City squad. 🔙 pic.twitter.com/4SukON6FWm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2025
Pep Guardiola’s side head into the game unbeaten in five matches across all competitions after a 5-1 win over Burnley at the weekend.
That victory came without midfield anchor Rodri, who missed the match with a knee problem.
The Spaniard admitted to Guardiola that he “had a lot of pain” and could not risk playing. “If you cannot play, you cannot play,” Guardiola said after the Burnley game.
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Race against time for Rodri and Rayan Cherki
Rodri’s presence in Tuesday’s training session suggests he is close to recovery, though his place in the starting lineup is not yet certain.
City staff will reportedly make a late call on his involvement to avoid aggravating the injury.
Summer signing Rayan Cherki also trained with the squad after missing six games with a thigh injury. Guardiola originally predicted the French midfielder would not return until November, so his early comeback is a pleasant surprise.
His fitness level is still being assessed, and he may only be fit enough for a place on the bench.
City remain without Rayan Ait-Nouri, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov, who are all still sidelined. Mateo Kovacic is also working toward a return after Achilles surgery but is not yet ready for selection.
Guardiola is expected to provide the latest team news in his pre-match press conference in Monaco.
With Rodri and Cherki possibly available, City will hope to keep their unbeaten run alive and take a big step toward the Champions League knockout rounds.
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