| Manchester City vs Leverkusen | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester City vs Leverkusen
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COMPETITION :
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UEFA Champions League
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| DATE: |
26-11-2025
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Etihad Stadium
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Manchester City remain without their key midfield duo, Rodri and Mateo Kovačić. Rodri is considered a serious doubt due to a hamstring issue, while Kovačić’s calcified ankle is expected to sideline him for several months.
Despite their absence, the hosts are in strong shape ahead of Leverkusen’s visit, and Pep Guardiola may be tempted to freshen things up after Saturday’s setback. That could open the door for the likes of John Stones, Tijjani Reijnders, and Savinho to feature more prominently.
Erling Haaland endured a frustrating outing at St. James’ Park, but the Norwegian striker has found the net in each of his last five Champions League appearances. He also boasts an impressive history against Leverkusen, scoring four goals during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
On the German side, midfield anchor Robert Andrich serves the second match of his two-game suspension following his red card in the 7–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where he elbowed Désiré Doué. Defensive stalwart Edmond Tapsoba is also suspended due to accumulated bookings.
With Tapsoba absent, Jarell Quansah is expected to line up alongside Loïc Badé and Jeanuel Belocian at the back. The visitors are still without Axel Tape, who continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Andrich’s suspension leaves Leverkusen with just two available central midfielders: Ibrahim Maza and Aleix García. Their problems are compounded by injuries to Equi Fernández (ligament) and Exequiel Palacios (adductor). Maza was also withdrawn at half-time against Wolfsburg after sustaining a knock to the thigh.
Should Maza’s issue persist, Claudio Echeverri — on loan from Man City — could be handed a rare start against his parent club, albeit in a deeper role than usual.
Elsewhere, Lucas Vázquez (muscle) and Arthur (back) remain doubtful for the visitors.