The build-up has already been dominated by talk of one teenager who might not remain in Germany much longer.

Claudio Echeverri, on loan at Leverkusen from City, was eligible to feature as part of the travelling squad returning to the Etihad, yet the Argentine's season in the Bundesliga has stalled. The 19-year-old has featured in only two of Leverkusen's previous nine Bundesliga matches and remained an unused substitute during their recent 3-1 win away at Wolfsburg.

He had played just 70 minutes in the league all season. His Champions League involvement has been brighter, with four appearances and two starts, but even that has fallen short of City's expectations.

Pep Guardiola made no attempt to hide the club's frustration, hinting twice that Echeverri's agent, Enzo Montepaone, would have a major say in what happens next. "We always would love that players play a lot of minutes. The intention is always there," Guardiola said.

"We have an incredible appreciation for him as a football player. I am pretty sure his agent will know everything."

Pressed on whether City might recall the midfielder in January, Guardiola delivered a sharp response that underlined the club's concerns. "It is a question for his beautiful agent," he said, making it clear the situation was out of City's hands for now.

Echeverri joined City in February 2024 from River Plate in a deal worth around twelve-and-a-half million pounds. He made his debut later that year in the FA Cup final and scored a stunning free-kick at the FIFA Club World Cup before injury ended his tournament early.

City believe strongly in his long-term potential, but the lack of game time at Leverkusen has raised fresh questions about the suitability of the loan.

City return to the Etihad following a narrow 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United, while Leverkusen arrived in England buoyed by their weekend win. But both sides faced significant absences.

Potential injuries:

Manchester City
Out: Mateo Kovacic (ankle)
Doubtful: Rodri (thigh)

Bayer Leverkusen
Out: Robert Andrich (suspended), Edmond Tapsoba (suspended), Alejandro Grimaldo (muscular), Lucas Vazquez (muscular), Equi Fernandez (ligament), Exequiel Palacios (adductor, ineligible for UCL), Jonas Hofmann (ineligible), Alejo Sarco (ineligible)
Doubtful: Axel Tapsoba (thigh)

With injuries mounting and uncertainty surrounding their young loanee, City's meeting with Leverkusen promised intensity on and off the pitch, and the Echeverri discussion looked set to continue long after the final whistle.

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad