Man City v Real Madrid injury & suspensions: Three doubts & three out of Champions League clash

Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti are expected to welcome back injured players for Wednesday’s huge Champions League tie between Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The last two European champions are set to lock horns in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, with the winner progressing to a last-four meeting against Bayern Munich or Arsenal. With the score level at 3-3 after the first leg, the tie is perfectly poised ahead of the much-anticipated reverse fixture.

That neither team have many injuries to contend in, and will be close to full strength, also increases the sense of expectation ahead of the clash between the two European heavyweights.

For City, the only injury concerns are Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake. The defensive duo missed last week’s trip to Madrid due to knocks but were back on the bench for Saturday’s 5-1 win over Luton Town. Pep Guardiola said he is hopeful they will be back in time to face Madrid and both were involved in training on Tuesday.

City had a full squad for that open session with John Stones expected to return having sat out the Luton game with a minor knock. Kevin De Bruyne, who missed last week’s game at the Bernabeu due to illness, started and put in another superb display in the 5-1 win.

As for Real, the Spanish side are without Aurelien Tchouameni after his yellow card in the opening minute of the first leg resulted in him picking up a one-match ban. Nacho is expected to replace him at the heart of defence, although Eder Militao could come in for a first start since August.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti revealed at the weekend that Rodrygo is a doubt for the game, but the Brazilian will most probably be involved after he was named in the travelling squad and trained on Tuesday evening. Rodrygo scored Madrid’s second goal last week and was probably their most constant attacking threat.

Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are the only injured players who will definitely miss out, with both suffering from long-term knee injuries.

Doubts: Walker, Ake (City); Rodrygo (Real). Out Courtois, Alaba, Tchouameni (Real).