Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League showdown with Manchester City have taken another hit, as full-back Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The Spanish giants battled to a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, keeping them at the top of La Liga. However, the result came at a cost, with Vazquez limping off in the final ten minutes. Medical tests have since confirmed a muscle injury in his left hamstring, sidelining him for Tuesday’s crucial first-leg clash at the Etihad Stadium.
“Following tests carried out on Lucas Vazquez today, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring, meaning he will not be in the squad to travel to Manchester,” read a statement from Real Madrid.
Vazquez, a natural winger, had been filling in at right-back since Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury in October. With key defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba also unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti faces a defensive crisis. Federico Valverde may be forced to slot in at right-back, while Aurelien Tchouameni could continue in central defense alongside 21-year-old Raul Asencio.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns but received a boost with Ruben Dias’ return after a three-game absence. The Portuguese defender played the first half against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, helping City avoid an upset.
However, Pep Guardiola remains without Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri, all sidelined with longer-term issues.
This high-stakes encounter is a rematch of last season’s quarter-finals, where Real Madrid advanced on penalties. With both clubs finishing outside the automatic qualification spots, they must now navigate the play-offs to reach the last 16, where the winner will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.