Real Madrid faces a formidable challenge in their Champions League match against Manchester City, further exacerbated by a crippling injury list. The club has been hit hard by 36 injuries this season, with 26 being muscle-related, leaving Ancelotti with a depleted squad. The absence of key defenders poses a significant threat to Madrid's hopes of success against a powerful City side.
Aurelien Tchouameni, often deployed as a centre-back for Real Madrid this season, was present at a training session at the Etihad Stadium. This session took place in the context of Madrid's mounting injury woes. Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Eder Militão, and Marcelo were in the team photo before the Madrid derby at the Bernabéu on Saturday night. While this looked like a formidable defensive lineup, it was a mere symbolic gesture.
All five players were sidelined with injuries, unable to participate in the match. The team gathered to pay homage to Marcelo, who announced his retirement after winning 25 trophies with the club.The injury crisis deepened when, just a day later, captain Lucas Vázquez was forced to withdraw from the squad traveling to Manchester. Vázquez, a midfielder who has become a mainstay at full-back, had been managing a minor thigh issue but ultimately couldn't continue. This season, Real Madrid has been plagued by a staggering 36 injuries, with 26 being muscle-related. Carlo Ancelotti, the manager, acknowledged the difficult situation while expressing optimism about the team's performance. In welcoming his injured players into the dressing room before the derby, he delivered a defiant message. “Before the game I saw Carvajal, Alaba, Militão and Rüdiger greeting their teammates; despite the difficulties we’re doing very well,” he stated.His faith in the team was proven when Madrid managed a 1-1 draw in their game against Manchester City. Despite the injuries, Madrid remained at the top of the league table, progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, and secured their spot in the Champions League. However, the injury list cast a shadow over their success. Ancelotti was left with a depleted squad for the crucial clash. He had only one recognized defender, Raúl Asencio, a 21-year-old academy product making his debut in the first team. Jesús Vallejo, another central defender who has been a constant presence in the squad but rarely used, remained an unused substitute. Ancelotti also had to rely on Aurélien Tchouaméni, a central midfielder, to fill in at centre-back, a position he has occupied in 14 of his 29 appearances. Further adding to the defensive concerns, Fede Valverde, a midfielder, was likely to be deployed at right-back. The lack of available defenders highlighted the immense pressure Ancelotti was under to navigate this challenging situation
REAL MADRID MANCHESTER CITY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE INJURIES CARLO ANCELOTTI
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