Rico Lewis
MCIEngland
Right
Nov 21, 2004
21
5'7"
141 lb
RB
--
Possession Builder
Man CityOn bench in UCL
Lewis (ankle) is among the substitutes for Tuesday's UCL second leg against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Lewis will likely remain a bench player now that he's healthy, having logged just 90 minutes in an FA Cup match over the last couple of months. He was previously used in both midfield and right-back roles, so he'll remain an alternative to Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes if either of those players need rest in future weeks.
Trains fully Sunday
Lewis (ankle) was spotted training in full Sunday ahead of Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League, the club posted.
Analysis: Lewis has missed the last five matches with an ankle injury but appears to be closing in on a return to the matchday squad after being spotted training fully Sunday ahead of Tuesday's Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. The versatile defender is expected to be a late fitness call for the clash and could slot back into the squad if he gets the green light. If cleared, he would likely resume his rotational role for the Citizens moving forward.
Suffering from ankle injury
Lewis is out for the time being due to an ankle injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "Rico has a problem with a twist in the ankle. A little bit swollen, but is edging to be back."
Analysis: Lewis has been missing the past few weeks and is still out as he deals with an ankle injury, needing a bit more time to regain fitness. That said, he has already missed four games due to the injury, leaving the defense without a bit of depth at right-back. He has been used in spurts this season, but this is no major loss, with Matheus Nunes the starter at right-back while Abdukodir Khusanov serves as backup.
Starts at right-back
Lewis recorded one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 75th minute.
Analysis: Lewis would hold onto the starting role at right-back Saturday after he started in FA Cup play. However, he would find much less success, as he would not see much action moving forward and would also allow two goals. He is likely to return to the bench moving forward to make space for Matheus Nunes after his illness.
Starts, earns assist
Lewis assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus Villarreal.
Analysis: Lewis was finally back in the starting XI after some time appearing from the bench, his first start since Aug. 23, the second game of the campaign. He would see some decent work in his 73 minutes of work, recording an assist in the 17th minute when he found Erling Haaland, Lewis' second assist and goal contribution of the season between UCL and league play. He did earn his start in the middle of the field and will hope this can lead to more time moving forward, although his best chances for time remain at right-back unless injuries become a problem in the midfield.
Falls out of role
Lewis has gone unused in four of his past six appearances and has only appeared for 17 minutes during that span.
Analysis: Lewis began the season in a starting role after finding the starting XI in two consecutive games to open the campaign. However, he has yet to earn a start since, having only appeared for 22 minutes and having gone unused four times since his last start. It appears the young defender has fallen out of any role he held and has been relegated to a depth position once again this campaign, with Abdukodir Khusanov (foot) and Matheus Nunes getting the nod at right-back ahead of Lewis.
Returns to bench
Lewis (undisclosed) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Lewis is with the team Sunday but will begin from the bench for a second straight contest. He will look to return to the starting role he held in the first two matches at right-back soon, with Abdukodir Khusanov taking his spot Sunday.
Signs new City deal
Lewis (undisclosed) has signed a new contract with Manchester City until the end of the 2029/30 season. He's expected to be available for Sunday's Manchester derby.
Analysis: The versatile full-back has enjoyed a solid start to the new season and is quickly settling into a starting role. His recent performances have led City to lock him up on a long-term deal. It's assumed he'll be ready for the derby, but if not, Matheus Nunes will likely remain in the XI.
Should be available
Lewis (undisclosed) should be available for Sunday's derby against Manchester United, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "The rest are fine."
Analysis: Lewis has been withdrawn from the England U21 squad due to an undisclosed injury that revealed to be minor since he resumed team training this week without any issue. The defender is expected to be available for Sunday's derby against United and will be in contention for the starting spot at right-back with Matheus Nunes.
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