Could injured star Leroy Sané feature against Real Madrid?

Leroy Sané has been rapidly progressing with his return from a knee injury and hopes to be fit in time to face Real Madrid in the Champions League knockouts.

According to The Telegraph, there is “cautious optimism” that electric German winger Leroy Sané could be back to first team action in time for the second leg of Manchester City’s Round of 16 Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

Sané has been working diligently since suffering anterior cruciate ligament injury in City’s Community Shield win over Liverpool. Amid heavy links to Bayern Munich refusing to go away all season, it could be his last chance to lift Europe’s premier club trophy during what has been an incredible spell at the Etihad Stadium.

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From a Manchester City perspective, the German is an absolute weapon who when fit and on his best form would surely make it into Pep Guardiola’s best lineup. He brings world-class pace, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal, and could just be the key City need to navigate a difficult Round of 16 draw.

If a deep run in this season’s Champions League is Sané’s final contribution in sky blue, it will be a fitting end to a great run as City will in all likelihood turn a fantastic profit on their initial £37 million investment.

Sané is a top player, and his return will be a big part in making City one of the favorites to reach the latter stages of the competition. With the second leg at home against Real Madrid looking to be one of the biggest matches in recent history for the Citizens, they will need all the help they can get, and perhaps Sané could be the man to make all the difference when they need him most.