Carlo Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid star will miss Man City Champions League second leg

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed David Alaba will miss Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City.

The Real Madrid defender was taken off at half-time in the reverse fixture last week due to injury, and Ancelotti said after the game he expected Alaba to be back in time for the clash at the Bernabeu.

However, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game, the former Chelsea and Everton manager said Alaba’s injury will rule him out, with Nacho likely to replace him at centre-back.

"Alaba can’t play,” he revaled. “It will possibly be a long game too but it’s not so important who starts as it is who finishes it.

"The system is the same. Alaba is important but Nacho’s played very well. I’m sure he’ll put on a good game."

While Alaba is expected to miss out, Casemiro should return for the second leg. The midfielder missed the trip to the Etihad due to injury but returned at the weekend in a 4-0 win over Espanyol, which saw Real claim the Spanish title.

Casemiro played for an hour before being replaced, and is expected to start in midfield against City, with Federico Valverde likely to shift to the right wing or drop to the bench.

Assuming the Brazilian starts, he should line up alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the centre of the park.

Elsewhere, Eden Hazard is expected to miss out on Wednesday due to injury, while Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic are doubts, with the latter sitting out the weekend win over Espanyol after undergoing dental surgery.