Stevan Jovetic left out of Champions League squad

Stevan Jovetic has been left out of Manchester City’s squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League, with new £25m signing Wilfried Bony called in to replace him.


The Montenegrin striker was widely expected to make way for Bony in the 25-man list that was submitted to Uefa on Tuesday having played a bit-part role at the club so far this season. His absence will now increase speculation that the £22m signing from Fiorentina in 2013 could leave the club in the summer.

Jovetic was the only change to City’s original squad submitted before the group stages, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side set to face Barcelona in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Etihad Stadium on 24 February.

Elsewhere, Arsenal confirmed the inclusion of Olivier Giroud, Francis Coquelin and new signing Gabriel Paulista in their squad to replace Joel Campbell, Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo, all of whom have left on loan.

Chelsea added Juan Cuadrado, who joined for £27m on deadline day, and the promising youth team player Isaiah Brown to replace the departing André Schürrle, Mohamed Salah and Lewis Baker.

Real Madrid’s new teenage signings Martin Odegaard and Lucas Silva were included in the reigning champions’ squad, while Fernando Torres made the cut for Atlético Madrid after joining from Milan on loan.

According to article 18.18 of the Uefa Champions League regulations, for all matches from the start of the round of 16 a club is permitted to register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches by 3 February.


Source: Guardian