Nico Gonzalez allays serious injury fears as £50m Man City signing makes swift return after scare against Leyton Orient

Manchester City signed La Masia graduate Nico Gonzalez from Porto on the deadline day of the winter transfer window for a reported fee of £50 million (61.9m). The 23-year-old made his debut for the Premier League champions in their 2-1 win over League One side Leyton Orient in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Nico started the clash for Pep Guardiola's side but had to be taken off just 22 minutes into his debut after appearing to hurt his ribs after falling awkwardly in a challenge with Leyton Orient's Sonny Perkins. However, the former Barcelona starlet has provided a promising update on X as he returned to training ahead of Man City's crucial Champions League playoff first-leg against Real Madrid. Additionally, Guardiola has also opened up on the 23-year-old's availability for the clash.

Asked if Nico will be available to face Real Madrid, Guardiola said: “I hope so. The kick was strong in this area. We have a few days, we will see.”

The 23-year-old will be hopeful that he can face his former team Barcelona's bitter rivals Real Madrid and help City get the win at home when the two sides meet on Tuesday, February 11.