Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a significant injury boost ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off second leg against Manchester City.
The reigning champions appeared to be heading for a first-leg defeat at the Etihad Stadium after Erling Haaland’s 80th-minute penalty.
However, a dramatic late comeback saw Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham score in the dying moments, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Also Check: Raheem Sterling Urged to Self-Reflect Amid Struggles in Arsenal Loan Spell
This result puts the 15-time European champions in a strong position for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Ancelotti’s squad has received another boost with key players returning from injury.
Due to an ongoing injury crisis, Real Madrid has been forced to deploy midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni alongside 21-year-old Raul Asencio in central defense for the past three matches.
However, Ancelotti now has the luxury of recalling experienced defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, both of whom were spotted in training on Tuesday.
While Alaba is unlikely to feature in the starting lineup as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury suffered in December 2023, Rudiger is fit and available.
The German international, who has been sidelined since February with a muscle injury, is in contention to start.
“Rudiger can start, Tchouameni can play as a pivot, and Asencio can remain in central defense,” Ancelotti confirmed in a press conference.
Despite these defensive reinforcements, Real Madrid will still be without makeshift right-back Lucas Vazquez, who sustained a hamstring injury before the first leg.
Federico Valverde filled in at right-back last week but is now nursing a knock following their weekend draw against Osasuna.
“Lucas Vazquez will be on the bench, but he hasn’t fully completed his recovery plan,” Ancelotti stated.
“We’ll assess Valverde, who took a knock against Osasuna. Raul (Asencio) can also play at right-back if needed.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola downplayed his team’s chances of progressing, suggesting they had only a “one percent chance” of making it to the last 16.
However, Ancelotti believes these comments are a strategic attempt to shift pressure onto his side.
“He doesn’t really think that,” Ancelotti responded. “Tomorrow, I’ll ask him before the game.
He knows they have a chance, just as we don’t believe we have a 99 percent advantage. We have a slight.
