Vazquez dropped from Real Madrid squad for City due to injury

Real Madrid have been forced into a last-minute change after naming their 23-man shortlist for Tuesday's Champions League play-off clash against Manchester City.

Lucas Vazquez, who was initially included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, will miss out on the visit to the Etihad Stadium after suffering a hamstring injury. The confirmation arrived from the Spaniards via a statement released earlier today.

"Following tests carried out on Lucas Vazquez today by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring, meaning he will not be in the squad to travel to Manchester. His recovery will be assessed," reads a statement from the club.

The blow further deepens Real Madrid's woes in defence as Carvajal, Militao, Alaba and Rudiger are already missing in the backline due to injuries. That said, Alaba and Rudiger's absences should not be longer than a couple of weeks, with the German centre-back aiming to make it for the return leg at the Bernabeu on February 19.

 

February 9, 2025