Real Madrid set for triple injury boost for Manchester City encounter | OneFootball

Real Madrid pulled off a stunning comeback win to take a 3-2 lead over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockouts playoff earlier this week.

Considering that the Merengues were trailing for a large part of the game and that it was the away leg, the result is worth its weight in gold.

The second 90 minutes of action will unfold next week at the Santiago Bernabeu and Real Madrid are the firm favourite, given that they will have the fans behind them.

The positive update

The Merengues were without key defenders in David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vazquez against Pep Guardiola’s side and fielded Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni in central defence with Federico Valverde at right-back.

Now, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed through his pre-match press conference against Osasuna that the recoveries of all three players is going well and that they will be fit for the second leg.

“They are improving. They will continue with individual work until Monday and will be available against City. Including Lucas Vazquez,” he said.

Set to return vs Man City. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Needless to say, this comes as a massive boost to Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s plans for having three starting-quality defenders back for the return leg is invaluable.

One can expect Vazquez and Rudiger to directly walk into the starting lineup against Pep Guardiola’s side if they are declared fit, especially considering how they have been vital all season.

With Alaba, the manager will look to exert more caution. After all, the player returned after a year out only last month and it is crucial to take things slow with his fitness.

As for the team’s game against Osasuna, Ancelotti will likely persist with Tchouameni, Asencio, and Federico Valverde as his stand-ins.