Real Madrid dealt fresh injury blow ahead of Manchester City tie
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has reportedly been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.
The reigning European champions are currently preparing to welcome Man City to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their semi-final tie.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will head into the contest in a buoyant mood after winning the Copa del Rey for the 20th time on Saturday.
Los Blancos claimed a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in the final thanks to a Rodrygo brace, securing the club their first Copa del Rey trophy since 2014.
The celebrations will be brief though, as Real Madrid prepare for a difficult encounter with the Premier League leaders.
According to Marca, Real Madrid have received an injury setback ahead of Tuesday’s first leg, with Ceballos ruled out due to a thigh problem.
Ceballos started recent league games against Almeria and Osasuna, but he picked up an injury in training ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
The Spaniard is expected to be out for seven to 10 days, and as a result, he will miss the first leg against Man City and Saturday’s league meeting with Getafe.
With the second leg taking place next week, Ceballos faces a race against time to be fit for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid are also without the services of Ferland Mendy, who has missed the last 11 competitive matches with a calf injury.
The left-back has stepped up his recovery by returning to individual training, but he remains unavailable for selection.
Eder Militao, meanwhile, will miss Tuesday’s contest through suspension after picking up his third yellow card of the Champions League in the second leg of the quarter-final tie with Chelsea.
Having won all five of their home Champions League games this season, Los Blancos will look to make home advantage count in the first leg.
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