CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: confirmed absentees for the Champions League semi-final first leg
Both teams will be at almost full strength for Tuesday’s clash at the Bernabéu but a key Madrid defender will be forced to watch on.
It’s the semi-final tie that neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City wanted. A repeat of last year’s titanic last-four clash between the Champions League specialists and the wannabe Champions League specialists.
Los Blancos have, of course, won the competition (if we also count the European Cup, it predecessor), a record 14 times, a whopping eight more than anyone else. The Sky Blues, on the other hand, have yet to taste victory since becoming Champions League regulars in 2011-12 and have reached the semi-final stage on two previous occasions where they have been eliminated by…you guessed it, Real Madrid.
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City fans in Madrid are brimming with confidence following their incredible run of 15 wins and a draw in 16 matches, while former Manchester United attacker Wayne Rooney – presumably not a City supporter – claimed earlier in the week that Pep Guardiola’s side would “blow away” the current holders. Write off Real Madrid at your peril, is all I’ll say…
Militão out, Modric in for Real Madrid
One thing that may well work in the Premier League leaders’ favour, however, is that Tuesday’s opponents are set to be without an important part of their defensive line-up. Brazilian centre-back Eder Militão, who has enjoyed another fine season in the Spanish capital, won’t take part in the first leg after his booking in the second leg of the quarter-final against Chelsea.
The only injury absentee for Carlo Ancelotti is left-back Ferland Mendy, who is back in training but not yet ready to return to action. Compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, normally a midfielder, has moved back into defence and may well stay there once Mendy is fit, such have been his performances his ‘new’ role.
Luka Modric, however, has been deemed fit to play and should take up his usual place in central midfield alongside Toni Kroos and one of Dani Ceballos or Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Aké the only absentee for City and Guardiola
Like his counterpart, Guardiola has almost a full roster to choose from, with Nathan Ake, who has often started on the left of a back three this season, forced off against Leeds United on Saturday having only just returned from a hamstring problem. He is the only City player not available for Tuesday’s game.