Nigeria youth prodigy Kelechi Iheanacho has been rewarded with a place in the UEFA Champions League squad by Manchester City following his impressive performances for the EPL club.
Iheanacho, who netted a treble weekend in a cup game against Aston Villa at the Villa Park, has replaced recuperating Samir Nasri in a 25-man squad submitted by Manuel Pellegrini.
“Yes, he (Iheanacho) will be in the squad,” said Pellegrini on Kelechi’s inclusion in the Champions League squad.
“I have decided that. I told Samir Nasri I will take him out from the Champions League list because he needs two more months to be fit.
“We need Kelechi, because with Wilfried Bony injured, we cannot afford any risks if Kun [Sergio Aguero] is injured.
“So, we need Kelechi in the squad. It was not a difficult decision, but it’s always difficult to tell a player he will not continue in the selections. But I think Samir understood. He has already been injured for three months and he understands.”
Nasri has been out of action with a hamstring injury for three months.
