He may not be the most glamorous player adorning Manchester City’s star-studded roster, but many would argue he’s the most important.
Defensive midfielder Fernandinho has been badly missed from the heart of City’s midfield since he was injured back in January. The 28-year-old suffered a thigh injury, and has missed the last three games which has seen City go on a bit of a wobble.
But on Monday the former Shakhtar Donetsk star trained with the rest of City’s squad at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of Tuesday’s massive UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona and he will be in the squad of 18 for the home tie against City’s Spanish opponents.
If Fernandinho does start in the first leg of the eagerly-anticipated last 16 tie, City’s chances of progressing could increase considerably.
(MORE: Pellegrini: “I don’t have any fear about facing Barcelona”)
When the Brazilian midfielder has been missing this season, City have failed to score in four of five PL games as 64 of City’s 68 goals have come in his 20 starts. His absence isn’t the only reason City have failed to score in their last two PL games, but he does play a massive part in the City machine, as Fernandinho breaks up play and tidies up the midfield with ease as his terrific engine allows him to motor around the center of the pitch and win back possession for Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
That will be key against Barca’s midfield trio of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta and Sergio Busquets who often dominate possession and are allowed to feed the likes Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro. If Fernandinho does return to City’s lineup on Tuesday, his main job will be to cut off that supply line and win the ball back so City can attack.
(MORE: Convincing results show La Liga trio ready for UEFA Champions League)
He is unselfish and does the dirty work that allows the likes of Samir Nasri, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure to pile forward and score the shed load of goals which City have done to devastating effect this season. They are already way past the 100 marker and counting, and despite not scoring many Fernandinho is key to that.
Against Barcelona on Tuesday, City will be missing their top goalscorer Aguero. But having Fernandinho back fit and ready to roll is arguably even more important than having Aguero on the pitch. That’s saying something.