Real Madrid and Manchester City without two key players for Champions League clash

Real Madrid take on Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The two sides are dealing with a couple of injury worries ahead of the clash.

Real Madrid will remain without Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba. The Belgian goalkeeper was back in training last month but is set to be sidelined for a few more weeks.

The former Chelsea shot-stopper suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee back in August 2023 and had to undergo surgery. He was back in training in early March, but a torn meniscus in his right knee has seen him sit out until the end of April.

Alaba is out with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, but Eder Militao has recovered from the same and is in line to play this week. However, the Brazilian defender is expected to be on the bench.

Also Read: Real Madrid Receives Positive Update on the Injury Sustained by Thibaut Courtois

Carlo Ancelotti spoke ahead of the Real Madrid vs Man City clash and said:

“Defeat is suffering. Victory is … happiness? No. Unfortunately, that’s not true. It’s a relief. There’s happiness if you win a title, but in individual games [only] relief: for a few days, you’re calmer. But then suffering is part of your work, it’s what keeps you alive: the pressure, the stress.”

He added:

“Courage and personality are fundamental in this kind of game. The mental element is important: we need personality. But it was not just mentality, and character; it was also technical, football. They pressed us high and we did not find solutions, we didn’t manage that. We want to avoid that in this tie. We have had time to prepare this. We have prepared well and I trust we will bring out the best in us in every sense: mentally, physically, and technically. We have the quality to compete.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City have traveled to Spain without two key players – Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake. The two defenders are out of the match but could return for the second leg at Etihad next week.

Also Read: Real Madrid vs Man City Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Pep Guardiola confirmed the injury news and said:

“Kyle, unfortunately, in a friendly game, was injured. We would love to have him but what can I say? Injuries are part of a long season but unfortunately in a decisive part of the season, we have a number of injuries in the same area and we have to find a solution.”

Manchester City have received a small boost with Josko Gvardiol making the trip despite going off at halftime in the weekend’s win over Crystal Palace.