(DESPITE THE DOUBLE DENIM) STERLING FIT & RARING TO GO

Real Madrid v Man City

Champions League round of 16, 8pm

PEP GUARDIOLA will unleash Raheem Sterling on Real Madrid – after hailing his star for an “amazing” recovery.

The Manchester City forward, who has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury, caused controversy in the build-up to the tie by posing for

pictures with a Real shirt. But Guardiola said Sterling – who is a £150million summer target for the Spanish side – is raring to go and prove his class in the Bernabeu.

“He’s fit, he’s in a natural condition and his regeneration is amazing,” said the City boss. “He said to us he could have played against West Ham and Leicester in the games before. But the doctor said to be careful, a muscular injury is three weeks or one month out, but Raheem wanted to play and that’s a good sign. He’s ready.”

With Sterling (right) fit, City will be at full strength to take on the 13-time European Cup winners tonight, with Guardiola admitting they will need luck on their side.

VAR denied City in the quarterfinals against Spurs last term, while the season before an erroneous offside decision cost them a goal against Liverpool at the same stage.

“You need to play good, be strong and you need luck in the knockout stages,” added Guardiola.

“It’s the quality of the opponents, but you have to overcome decisions.

“I remember incredible episodes, but we can’t control it. I don’t like to win with the wrong decisions, but the ref, VAR, it’s happened.”