Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Manchester City for the UEFA Champions League clash at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will be eager to take a step closer to the round of 16 of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League when they lock horns with Manchester City at the Etihad on Tuesday night. Carlo Ancelotti has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lucas Vazquez is the latest absentee after picking up a hamstring injury this past weekend against Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard has joined Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines, with the defensive quintet not in the travelling squad to take on Manchester City.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti did not provide a fitness update on any player. However, the Italian tactician discussed Vinicius Junior’s progress amid a stop-start 2024/25 season.
The Real Madrid manager said, “He’s had a very good season considering that he’s come back from two injuries and hasn’t played continuously. He has scored 17 goals, provided many assists and been decisive in many games. He’s lacked the consistency that injuries haven’t allowed him to have.”
“He’s looking good, even if he’s not at 100%. He’s very close to 100%. His second half in the derby made a difference because he was a nightmare on the left wing and created a lot of problems for the opposition. He’s very close to his best level and he can reach that tomorrow without any problems. He’s doing very well, motivated and looking forward to playing.”
Vinicius Junior is an automatic pick in the final third, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line for Real Madrid against Manchester City. Rodrygo will retain his spot on the right flank, while Jude Bellingham will reprise the no. 10 role.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric should pair up in the double pivot, considering Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will play as makeshift defenders. Valverde will start as the right-back, while Tchouameni will pair up with Raul Asencio at the heart of the defence. Finally, Ferland Mendy will start as the left-back, with Thibaut Courtois taking his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
