Actual Madrid are set to go to Atletico Madrid on the Civitas Metropolitano on Wednesday in a decisive battle for a spot within the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Nevertheless, the workforce might face a serious setback with two key gamers unsure for the essential encounter.
The Champions League spherical of 16 will conclude this week, narrowing the competitors down to simply eight groups. One of many standout fixtures is the extremely anticipated Madrid derby, the place Actual Madrid maintain a slim 2-1 benefit from the primary leg.
With the slim lead, coach Carlo Ancelotti is predicted to discipline his strongest lineup to attenuate the danger of an Atletico Madrid comeback. Nevertheless, his plans could possibly be jeopardized after two essential gamers missed Sunday’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Courtois and Rudiger unsure
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger are the 2 Actual Madrid gamers whose availability stays unsure for Wednesday’s showdown. Each had been absent in opposition to Rayo Vallecano, elevating issues amongst followers.
Courtois is coping with a slight pressure in his proper patellar tendon. His absence was reportedly a part of a “scheduled relaxation” to permit him to get well absolutely and keep away from additional issues, rising his probabilities to be out there in opposition to Atletico.
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Rudiger’s state of affairs is extra regarding. The defender missed Saturday’s coaching session because of flu-like signs and can be experiencing discomfort in one in every of his knees, casting critical doubt over his participation within the upcoming derby.
When requested in regards to the gamers’ situations in his post-match press convention, Ancelotti remained cautious: “Hopefully, Rudiger can get well from the flu, and Courtois as nicely… Courtois has a small drawback that I consider he’ll get well from shortly for Wednesday’s match,” stated the Italian coach, sounding extra optimistic in regards to the goalkeeper’s availability than Rudiger’s.