Real Madrid’s defensive lineup faces a significant setback ahead of their crucial Champions League second-leg clash against Manchester City, as versatile full-back Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out due to injury.
Real Madrid Blow: Lucas Vazquez Ruled Out of Man City Clash
Vazquez, who missed Real Madrid’s recent 1-1 draw with Osasuna at El Sadar, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury in his left leg.
Despite initial optimism from head coach Carlo Ancelotti about Vazquez’s potential return, the latest assessments have confirmed that he will not recover in time for the midweek fixture.
According to internal sources cited by Diario AS, “He is out of the equation to face Man City.”
In more positive news for Los Blancos, central defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on track to return.
Both players have been recovering ahead of schedule from their respective injuries and are expected to rejoin group training on Tuesday.
Their availability would bolster Real Madrid’s defense, providing Ancelotti with experienced options against a formidable Manchester City attack.
On the opposing side, Manchester City faces defensive challenges of their own. Central defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out of the second leg after sustaining a muscular injury during the first encounter between the two teams.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Akanji is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, impacting City’s defensive depth during this critical period.
As both teams prepare for the decisive match at the Santiago Bernabeu, the adjustments in their defensive lines could play a pivotal role in determining which side advances in the Champions League.
Real Madrid will aim to capitalize on home advantage, while Manchester City seeks to overcome their injury setbacks and overturn the 3-2 deficit from the first leg.
