Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is unlikely to return to the starting lineup for the first time in over nine months when Manchester City lock horns with Juventus in Thursday’s FIFA Club World Cup Group G clash at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

After recovering from a long-term ACL injury, Rodri has since made two 30-minute substitute appearances for the Citizens in their opening two group-stage matches, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the midfielder is again likely to feature later in the game on Thursday, rather than from the start.

Summer signing Tijjani Reijnders, who was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season for 2024-25 after a stellar campaign with AC Milan, is in contention to return to the first XI after making his full debut on matchday one, while Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan all started against Al-Ain, the latter of whom netted a brace, and could retain their starting spots in midfield.

Rico Lewis is unavailable for selection as he has been given an extended three-match ban for his controversial red card in their Club World Cup opener against Wydad AC. Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov are therefore set to battle for a start at right-back.

Rayan Ait-Nouri was handed his full debut last time out and he could continue as an advanced left-back, while Ruben Dias may be recalled to partner Jokso Gvardiol in the heart of defence, protecting goalkeeper Ederson who is likely to replace Stefan Ortega.

After scoring his first Man City goal against Al-Ain, Claudio Echeverri was forced off at half time with a twisted ankle and Guardiola has since confirmed that the 19-year-old will be sidelined for two to three weeks. Either Omar Marmoush or Jeremy Doku could be recalled to operate on the left flank as a result.

Rayan Cherki, who scored his first Citizens goal on Monday, will be pushing for a recall along with Phil Foden and Savinho, while Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line once again.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Reijnders, Bernardo; Savinho, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland

Click here to see how Juventus could line up for this contest

Written by
Oliver Thomas