Real Madrid Defender Could Miss Crucial Champions League Clash vs Man City
- Real Madrid face a defensive concern ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City
- One of Los Blancos' top defenders is still struggling with calf discomfort after missing the recent win over Elche
- Álvaro Carreras could return to the squad, although a late fitness decision is expected before the trip to the Etihad Stadium
- Meanwhile, ex-Ghana star believes Antoine Semenyo could face another difficult test against Real Madrid
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Despite a convincing result against Elche CF over the weekend, Real Madrid are expected to take a cautious approach as they prepare for the second-leg clash against Manchester City.
The Spanish giants head into the match with a comfortable 3–0 advantage from the first leg.
Source: Getty Images
However, the team is still dealing with several injury concerns.
One of the players currently sidelined is Raúl Asencio, who missed the recent match against Elche and was only named on the bench during the first leg.
Asencio still doubtful vs Man City
Heading into the decisive second leg against Manchester City, a report from Diario AS suggests that Asencio remains a doubt this week.
The young defender is still suffering from calf discomfort, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to feature in the match, per Madrid Universal.
While nothing has been ruled out yet, a final decision on whether Asencio will travel with the squad is expected to be made at the last minute.
There are more encouraging developments elsewhere in the squad, with Álvaro Carreras - the other injured defender - already completing part of the training sessions with the team.
The former SL Benfica full-back is pushing to receive medical clearance ahead of the second-leg encounter and is expected to travel with the squad.
However, he will still need to pass a fitness test at the Etihad Stadium before being cleared to play against the side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Source: Getty Images
Carreras’ potential return could provide a major boost for Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the manager would consider starting the defender immediately after his recovery.
The next couple of days could prove crucial as Real Madrid hope to welcome back some of their injured players ahead of the decisive second leg against Manchester City.
Semenyo faces tough test against Rüdiger, Huijsen
Meanwhile, former Ghana striker Eric Bekoe believes Antoine Semenyo could face another difficult test against Real Madrid when he comes up against the defensive pairing of Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen.
Bekoe explained that Rüdiger’s vast experience at the top level could make it difficult for the forward to find space, while Huijsen’s familiarity with Semenyo from their time together at AFC Bournemouth could also play a key role.
“Semenyo is a strong and dangerous attacker, but facing players like Rüdiger and Huijsen will not be easy,” Bekoe told YEN.com.gh.
“Rüdiger has the experience to deal with almost any attacking threat, and Huijsen knows Semenyo very well because they played together at Bournemouth. That understanding can help them control him during the game,” he added.
Semenyo backed to shine against Real Madrid
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo has been called upon to deliver a standout performance for Manchester City against Real Madrid in their crucial Champions League clash.
The Ghanaian forward is expected to lead City’s attack and make a decisive impact as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to overcome Madrid in the Spanish capital.
Source: YEN.com.gh
