Real Madrid thrown into injury crisis vs Man City as fifth player pulls out

Real Madrid have been thrown into a spiralling defensive crisis for their Champions League trip to Manchester City with the news that a fifth defender has been ruled out with injury.

Real are already without long-term injury absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, while experienced duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have picked up fresh injuries in the last fortnight.

Rudiger may be a contender for the return leg, but Carlo Ancelotti is facing a reshuffled back line against City in the Champions League knockout play-off tie.

That defence was set to include winger Lucas Vazquez as a makeshift full-back, but the veteran five-time Champions League winner has now injured his hamstring and will not travel to Manchester.

A Real statement on Sunday read: "Following tests carried out today on our player Lucas Vázquez by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the hamstring of his left leg. He will not be included in the squad for the match in Manchester. Pending progress."

That leaves Aurélien Tchouaméni and youngster Raúl Asencio as Real's likely centre-back pairing at the Etihad, with Fran Garcia playing at left-back in Saturday's derby draw with Atletico and Vazquez at right-back before going off with his injury.

Federico Valverde could play as an emergency right-back in his place with 20-year-old Jacobo Ramon another option at the back.

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were doubts to face Atletico but both played and Mbappe scored to keep Real top of La Liga, a point ahead of their city rivals.

Speaking ahead of their clash with Leganes this week, Ancelotti said: “Alaba was ready to start tomorrow. Rüdiger and Alaba’s injuries were not contemplated. This is an emergency situation.