Fernandinho returns to Manchester City squad for Champions League clash with Barcelona

Fernandinho has been included in the Manchester city squad for Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg against Barcelona.

The Brazilian has been sidelined for the last couple of weeks with a thigh injury, but he has returned to training and could feature against the Spanish giants.

“He has a chance. He is in the squad list for tomorrow,” manager Manuel Pellegrini said. “We will see tomorrow who can start but he has worked without any problem.”

While Fernandinho has a chance of facing Barcelona, striker Sergio Aguero will sit out the match at the Etihad Stadium as he has yet to recover from a hamstring injury.

“He is not in the squad list,” Pellegrini stated. “We will see if he can be fit on Saturday, but maybe that is also difficult.”

Manchester City have never reached the last 16 of the Champions League before and will be facing Barcelona, who are top of the Spanish league, for the first time in a competitive match. 

The return of Fernandinho will help bolster Pellegrini's options in midfield.