Real Madrid has confirmed a second injury to a first team star which will likewise severely affect planning for a Champions League showdown with Manchester City.

Manchester City will face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. The teams who finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase of the tournament will play two-legged play-off ties on 11-12 and 18-19 February to decide who advances to the round of 16.

Defending champions Real Madrid will renew their Champions League rivalry with 2023 winners Manchester City in a blockbuster knockout phase playoff tie after the two teams were pitted against each other in the draw held in Nyon on Friday.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase came to a dramatic close on Wednesday, setting up for an equally entertaining knockout stage that begins in two weeks' time. The introduction of the new format means the Champions League will introduce a new phase of competition in February when 16 teams will take part in the knockout round playoffs.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces a selection headache as he will need to omit one of the club's January signing from the Champions League knockout stages ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Manchester City officials will have a dilemma to contend with when it comes to registering new players for their UEFA Champions League knockout stage squad.Pep Guardiola’s squad booked themselves a