Real Madrid suffer another defensive injury blow ahead of Man City clash

Real Madrid have confirmed that makeshift right-back Lucas Vazquez has suffered a hamstring injury which will keep him out of the squad that goes up against Manchester City in an almighty Champions League clash on Tuesday night.

The reigning European champions are in the midst of what Carlo Ancelotti understandably described as an injury "emergency". Real had to line up against their city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday night without a single senior centre-back. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are expected to remain sidelined for the continental tie while Eder Militao is out for the season with an ACL tear.

Dani Carvajal has also been sidelined for the entire campaign with a serious knee injury, leaving Vazquez as Ancelotti's only natural option at right-back. However, the converted winger sustained a muscular issue during the 1-1 draw with Atletico which is expected to keep him in the treatment room for between 15 and 20 days, per Fabrizio Romano.

As Madrid prepare for a daunting trip to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off, Ancelotti has few defensive options.

Federico Valverde has been sporadically used at right-back this season and may be tasked with returning to that role this week alongside fellow midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The French pivot has been increasingly called upon in the absence of Madrid's regular centre-backs and is set to dovetail with Raul Asencio in a thoroughly makeshift backline. Left-back is the only defensive position in which Ancelotti boasts any depth, with Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy both available.

For all the rearguard reshuffling, Madrid's most pressing concern may revolve around the formation of their frontline. The capital outfit have struggled for balance when lining up with all four of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham this season. Ancelotti threatened to take his glittering quartet off the pitch at half-time of Saturday's derby after an uninspiring opening 45 minutes, according to MARCA.

Rodrygo and Bellingham were swiftly involved in the buildup to Mbappe's 50th-minute equaliser as Madrid dominated Atletico in a one-sided second half.

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