Real Madrid Suffers Devastating Last-Minute Injury Setback Before Crucial Man City Showdown
Real Madrid defender Álvaro Carreras will be unavailable for the opening leg of the Champions League last 16 after suffering a calf problem, according to official club sources.
The left-back was absent from the weekend squad during Los Blancos' dramatic 2–1 victory against Celta Vigo due to yellow card accumulation. However, no disciplinary action prevents him from participating in the European fixture - instead, he has joined the club's growing injury list. With the medical room already overcrowded, losing another key player from Álvaro Arbeloa's regular lineup could prove catastrophic before Manchester City visits the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid confirmed Carreras suffered a muscular problem in his right calf. While the club hasn't provided a specific return date, The Athletic indicates the Spanish international faces at least one week on the sidelines, eliminating him from contention against the Citizens.
Arbeloa Faces Squad Dilemma for Man City Encounter
Arbeloa Faces Squad Dilemma for Man City Encounter
Carreras' absence alone wouldn't devastate the Spanish powerhouse, but he adds to numerous players ruled out for this season's most crucial match. Real Madrid currently have seven unavailable squad members for the first leg of the knockout round:
Five of these seven would normally feature in such an important encounter, depriving Arbeloa of nearly half his preferred starting formation. The most significant losses are certainly Bellingham and Mbappé, both racing against time to participate in the return fixture.
The positive aspect is Carreras should return for the Etihad Stadium visit, assuming no complications arise during rehabilitation. The 22-year-old has proven himself as the standout performer among Real Madrid's four summer acquisitions, providing reliable displays consistently.
How Real Madrid Will Cover for Alvaro Carreras vs. Man City
How Real Madrid Will Cover for Alvaro Carreras vs. Man City
For now, Los Blancos must manage without their first-choice left-back. Unlike several other squad positions, genuine alternatives exist on the left side. Both Ferland Mendy and Fran García remain healthy and ready, alongside makeshift fullback Eduardo Camavinga.
Everything suggests Mendy will receive the starting opportunity under the Bernabéu floodlights. Fitness problems have troubled the French defender across recent campaigns, but he completed the full 90 minutes at the weekend for just the second occasion this term—performing admirably throughout.
Facing Man City presents a considerably greater challenge than Celta Vigo, however, and Mendy will be tested extensively while attempting to neutralize Antoine Semenyo. The January acquisition already boasts seven goals and two assists across 13 Man City appearances.
Real Madrid will hope the fullback rediscovers his peak form that contributed to two Champions League triumphs when Wednesday's opening whistle arrives.