Real Madrid will aim to take a step closer to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals when they welcome Manchester City to the Santiago Bernabeu for the round of 16 first leg on Wednesday night. Alvaro Arbeloa has received a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eduardo Camavinga is in contention to take on Manchester City after missing the league game against Celta Vigo due to a dental issue. However, it is unclear if David Alaba is fit and available to return from a calf injury.
Kylian Mbappe (knee), Dani Ceballos (calf), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Rodrygo (ACL), Alvaro Carreras (calf), and Eder Militao (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa provided fitness updates on Mbappe and Camavinga.
The Real Madrid head coach said, “He [Mbappe] is much better. As I’ve mentioned over the past weeks, it’s a day-to-day process to see how he evolves. This entire week has been very positive, and he’s returned with great sensations. Every day he’s getting better, and we’re expecting him back very soon.”
“He [Camavinga] is much better. He had a very tough week, and here we always say it’s worse than a toothache. He was very unwell, with an infection, and went several days without eating. He has been training with the group since Saturday, is in perfect condition, and is available for tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, during his presser, Arbeloa also discussed Vinicius Junior’s importance to his squad. The Real Madrid boss said, “For us, regardless of who is on the field, as long as he is there, he’s going to be very important. We have key players missing who are fundamental to our team, some of the best in the world, who have earned their place through performance. Vini Jr. is taking on a lot of responsibility and is our offensive cornerstone. We need the best from him if we want to eliminate Manchester City.”
Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-1-2 formation in front of him against Manchester City on Wednesday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga. However, Thiago Pinar will start if Camavinga is not ready to return yet. Finally, Arda Guler will reprise the no. 10 role, with Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia completing the numbers in the offensive unit.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
