It’s understood that Manchester City have left Owen Hargreaves out of their Champions League squad, which is set to be named on Friday.
The club believes that the former England international needs five or six to get up to full fitness, and isn’t ready to be used in their European campaign.
The midfielder noted: “It’s important that you get back into a rhythm of playing football and I haven’t done that for a while. There’s tons of games to come this season in various competitions.”
He added: “I’ve never not played in the Champions League, it’s pretty much been standard for me every season.”
Wayne Bridge has also been left out of the squad, as the Citizens continue to bolster their ever-improving squad.