Real Madrid could be without several key players for their decisive Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.
City will host the Spanish giants in the return leg of their quarter-final tie, with the two sides level on aggregate. Real Madrid certainly had one eye on their upcoming game at the Etihad Stadium, as manager Carlo Ancelotti made five changes for his side’s win over Mallorca at the weekend and substituted Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric during the match.
The use of rotation could mean that the Spanish side will be refreshed for their meeting with City. However, in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Ancelotti confirmed that Real Madrid had picked up a new fitness concern.
Brazilian forward Rodrygo was left on the bench against Mallorca after being substituted in the 71st minute against City, last week. Asked about his team selection, Ancelotti explained: “I think we played well. I did not give rest due to a physical aspect. Everyone was fine. Only Rodrygo, who had a knock.”
Ancelotti was not asked about Rodrygo’s condition in his pre-match media conference on Tuesday night, but Real Madrid will be without Aurelien Tchouameni against City. The France international picked up a suspension after receiving a yellow card in the first leg, presenting Ancelotti with a dilemma at centre-back.
Nacho is more likely to deputise in Tchouameni’s absence, having started against Mallorca on Saturday, but Eder Militao also made a brief appearance as he returned from injury at the weekend. The Real Madrid boss has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will partner either man at the heart of defence, while Ancelotti has also admitted that Eduardo Camavinga will be part of his teamsheet.
Responding to a question about the French midfielder on Tuesday, Ancelotti asked the journalist whether he thought Camavinga would start against City, replying: “I think so as well.” Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba face extended spells on the sidelines with long-term knee injuries.
Real Madrid travelling squad vs Man City: Lunin, Arrizabalaga, Fran; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Vazquez, Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni*, Cebbalos, Gular; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim Diaz
Tchouameni has travelled with the squad but is suspended for the match.*
Real Madrid travelling squad vs Man City: Lunin, Arrizabalaga, Fran; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Vazquez, Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni*, Cebbalos, Gular; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim Diaz
Tchouameni has travelled with the squad but is suspended for the match
