City’s Hidden Depths Take Center Stage as Marmoush Headlines CL Trip to Villarreal
20 October 2025
Lineups and Injury News
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola announced the traveling squad for the Tuesday trip to Spain to face Villarreal at La Ceramica, in the third matchday of the Champions League group stage. The roster includes Omar Marmoush, who has recovered from his injury and is part of the squad heading to Spain.
Marmoush watched City’s 2-0 victory over Everton from the bench on Saturday, marking his return to action after roughly a month out with knee trouble sustained during Egypt’s international window in September.
The return of Marmoush adds depth to City’s options as they chase a crucial away result in Europe, especially with the Premier League’s busy schedule continuing to bite at the ankles of squads around Europe.
Egypt’s World Cup Qualifier and City’s Build-Up
In international news, Egypt sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after topping their Africa qualifying group with one round to spare. The Pharaohs return to the global stage for the first time since 2018, lifting spirits across the nation.
Under the guidance of manager Hossam Hassan, Egypt benefitted from a steady blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with Mohamed Salah providing leadership and decisive contributions alongside Omar Marmoush and other key players as they closed out the campaign with poise.
Egypt’s campaign highlighted the form of Salah and the growing contributions from players like Marmoush, Mustafa Mohamed, and Mohamed El-Shennawi, helping to anchor a solid collective effort across the campaign.
City’s Squad Selection and Guardiola’s Message
Guardiola’s lineup features a sizeable group ready to contest the Champions League clash, with the following players named: James Trafford, Ruben Dias, Tijani Reinders, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Omar Marmoush, Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku, Marcus Bettinelli, Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Aït Nouri, Josko Gvardiol, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Savinho, Mateus Nunes, Nico Ouryoli, Phil Foden, Oscar Bob, and Rico Lewis.
Guardiola also reflected on the team’s performance in the Premier League, praising the togetherness and the depth of the squad as they prepare for a heavy run of fixtures across domestic and European competition.
Speaking after their last league outing, Guardiola highlighted the need to involve more players in attacking phases. He noted that while Haaland can score, the team must share the load and convert more chances through wingers, midfielders, and late runners into the box.
“Haaland lives to score, but our passes to him have improved and he remains the cornerstone,” Guardiola said with a wry smile before turning serious. “We need everyone involved—the wingers and the attacking midfielders—to raise their levels and convert opportunities. If we don’t translate these chances, our plans won’t pay off.”
He also stressed the importance of momentum: “We must keep a steady rhythm with minutes for Oscar Bob, Rico Lewis, and Bernardo Silva,” adding that the sheer number of matches demands all hands on deck. “We started slowly this season against Tottenham and Brighton, but since the last international break we’ve bounced back and now we head into the Champions League with belief.”
Describing the rising figure of Nico Ouryoli, Guardiola lauded the youngster’s progress: “He’s a young lad who is learning fast, playing more minutes, and his height helps us on set-pieces. He’s taking steps forward, adjusting to space both large and small, and delivered a perfect pass that led to Haaland’s goal.”
Punchline time: If City win, Guardiola will claim it was all part of an elaborate plan to test the air conditioning in the away dressing room. If they lose, it’ll be because the ball confused the compass in La Ceramica and decided to go sightseeing.
