Man City include surprise player in 22-man Champions League squad as Oscar Bobb left out

Manchester City have included defender Josh Wilson-Esbrand in their squad for the Champions League this season after the left-back failed to leave on loan in the summer.

The left-back started three of City's four pre-season games in the summer as most of Pep Guardiola's senior players were absent, while Josko Gvardiol played his three friendlies at centre-back. Guardiola praised the full-back for his performances in a difficult summer, although he ended the final friendly vs Chelsea limping off with a hamstring injury.

A move was expected to materialise for Wilson-Esbrand before the transfer deadline but the 21-year-old has remained at City until at least January.

ALSO READ: Man City transfer priority is obvious after perfect start to season

ALSO READ: 'Everybody's issue' - Man City fans ask for help amid club charges decision

He has been included in a 22-man Champions League squad, giving Guardiola the option to use him if required. Clubs are allowed to name up to 25 players, with restrictions on how many are home grown. Players aged 21 and born on or after January 1 2003 don't have to be named in the main 'A List', and can play as underage players, but Wilson-Esbrand must be included in the main roster as his birthday falls five days before the cut-off.

Savinho, who is 20, is also on the A List, because he has not been 'association trained' or 'club trained' having joined from Troyes in the summer and never having played in England before.

But Oscar Bobb, aged 21 but with a birthday in 2003, does not need to be included in the A List and is not currently named in the squad on UEFA's website. He is injured, likely until the new year, and can be added to the squad when he returns.

Rico Lewis is a 'B List' player, as