Bernabéu blues as Madrid face Monaco with SEVEN stars sidelined
Real Madrid's injury crisis deepens ahead of Champions League clash with Monaco, forcing Ancelotti to consider youth options against the French side.
Los Blancos prepare to host Monaco in the Champions League with a severely depleted squad, as injury woes continue to mount for the European champions.
Injury crisis deepens
Real Madrid will be without a staggering seven players for Tuesday night’s Champions League fixture against Monaco at the Bernabéu. The list of absentees reads like a who’s who of Madrid’s star-studded squad:
- Carreras (suspended)
- Militao (injured)
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (injured)
- Mendy (injured)
- Rodrygo (injured)
- Rüdiger (injured)
- Brahim Diaz (just returned from AFCON duty)
There had been whispers around the Spanish capital that both Rüdiger and Rodrygo might make the squad, but the medical team has decided not to risk either player. Proper sensible that, given the busy schedule ahead.
Youth gets a chance
In response to this injury nightmare, Madrid have called up two promising youngsters from Castilla:
- Pol Fortuny (midfielder)
- Mesonero (midfielder)
Both lads have been training under Álvaro Arbeloa with the reserve side and now have a chance to shine on the biggest stage. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!
Expected lineup
Despite the absences, Madrid still boast a formidable potential starting XI:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinicius
Monaco ready for battle
Meanwhile, Monaco aren’t getting caught up in whether this is a good time to face the depleted champions. Their coach Sébastien Pocognoli kept it real in his press conference, saying: “We’ll need to play a great match to have any chance.”
The French side have impressed in the Champions League this season despite mixed domestic form, and will line up with former Premier League defenders Eric Dier and Thilo Kehrer in their backline, while former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun leads their attack alongside ex-Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati.
With Vinicius and Mbappé both expected to start for Madrid, we should be in for a proper game of football despite the injury troubles. Let’s ‘ave it!