Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that Rico Lewis will be playing against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.
City are looking to record their fifth group stage win over the Bundesliga side, having won 3-0 against BSC Young Boys last time out.
Pep Guardiola will likely be rotating his side following the exertions of the players involved in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
The manager did not use any substitutions against the Reds, and may be able to call on the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish after both returned to training.
One man who’s set to play though is £25,000-a-week youngster Rico Lewis…
Pep Guardiola says Rico Lewis will play for Manchester City against RB Leipzig
Guardiola spoke after the Liverpool game, with some of his embargoed quotes being published on Sunday night.
Giving fans a little teaser about the team that will play against Leipzig, Pep said: “Rico [Lewis] can play in five positions, so we’re going to use him I’m pretty sure on Tuesday. It is what it is! I don’t complain [about injuries]! Incredible these guys, you see this team, what can I say? Everyone is really pleased!”
So far this season, Lewis – who made his debut for England over the international break, impressing Harry Kane – has been heavily involved in City’s Champions League campaign.
He’s played 90 minutes in each of City’s last three games and impressed each time.
Another chance for Lewis to shine
Pep has hinted Lewis will start against Leipzig and this would be the correct decision, because he has looked totally at home in the competition this season.
His opportunities are a little limited in the Premier League at the moment so he needs this competition to get things ticking over.
Matheus Nunes is still out injured and Kovacic may only be fit enough for a cameo having only just returned to training, so Lewis -whom Pep thinks is ‘exceptional’ – in midfield seems like a sensible decision.
Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Bernardo Silva all played full games against Liverpool and you would think at least one of those players will drop to the bench so Lewis can come in.
