Confirmed: Real Madrid’s Key Absence for the Manchester City Clash

Lucas Vázquez Misses Out Due to Injury

As Real Madrid prepares for the crucial second leg against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti has suffered an unexpected setback: Lucas Vázquez will not be available for the match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite initial optimism regarding his recovery, Vázquez’s injury hasn’t healed fully, forcing the club’s medical staff and coaching team to leave him out of the squad. This comes at a challenging time for Madrid, which is already dealing with limited defensive options.

Valverde to Cover at Right-Back

With Dani Carvajal still in recovery and Vázquez now ruled out, Ancelotti is expected to deploy Fede Valverde as a makeshift right-back. While the Uruguayan excels in midfield, his versatility and defensive work rate make him a viable solution for this high-stakes encounter.

Madrid’s lack of natural right-back options is becoming a recurring issue, reinforcing the need for reinforcements in the summer transfer window.

Future Reinforcements on the Horizon?

Looking ahead, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a prime target for Real Madrid. The Liverpool right-back could join as a free agent in 2025, providing a long-term solution to Madrid’s defensive concerns.

For now, Madrid must navigate this crucial tie without Vázquez, relying on Valverde’s adaptability to contain Manchester City’s attacking threat.