Real Madrid’s preparations for their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Manchester City have suffered another setback. Just days before the crucial first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos were dealt fresh injury news after young defender Alvaro Carreras was ruled out with a muscle problem.
The match, scheduled for Thursday (March 12, 2026) early morning WIB, was already expected to be a high-intensity battle between two European giants. However, Real Madrid now face the challenge with several key players unavailable, creating concerns about the squad’s balance and depth.
Carreras’ injury means he joins a growing list of sidelined stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. With multiple first-team players missing, coach Alvaro Arbeloa must quickly reorganize his lineup to remain competitive against Pep Guardiola’s powerful Manchester City side.
Alvaro Carreras Injury Adds to Real Madrid’s Problems
Real Madrid confirmed that Alvaro Carreras suffered a muscle injury in his right calf following a heavy collision during the recent La Liga match against Getafe. The young defender is expected to be sidelined for approximately one week, effectively ruling him out of the first leg against Manchester City.
While Carreras is not always a guaranteed starter, his versatility and energy have made him an important squad option this season. His absence reduces defensive rotation options for coach Alvaro Arbeloa at a time when squad depth is crucial.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Real Madrid. With the Champions League knockout stages demanding peak physical condition, losing another defender complicates the tactical setup for the Spanish giants.
Arbeloa now faces the task of reshuffling the back line, ensuring defensive stability against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Injury Storm Hits Real Madrid’s Attack
Real Madrid’s injury issues are not limited to the defensive department. The attacking line has also been significantly weakened ahead of the Champions League encounter.
Two of the club’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, are not yet fit enough to participate in the first leg. Both players are still undergoing recovery and have not been fully cleared by the club’s medical staff.
Mbappe has returned to light training sessions on the pitch, but he is currently following an individual program. According to reports from the club’s medical team, the French forward has not yet resumed full training with the ball alongside teammates.
Real Madrid are taking a cautious approach with Mbappe’s recovery. The coaching staff hopes to have the star striker fully available for the second leg rather than risk aggravating the injury.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo has also been ruled out after doctors recommended surgery to address his injury. Losing three key attacking players simultaneously represents a major blow to Madrid’s offensive power.
Arbeloa will now need to explore alternative attacking options from the bench, relying on squad players to fill the void left by the injured stars.
Positive News from Defense and Midfield
Despite the growing injury concerns, Real Madrid have received some positive updates regarding other members of the squad.
German defender Antonio Rudiger has returned to full training and is expected to be available for selection. The experienced center-back has recovered from his recent physical issue and is now considered fit for the Champions League match.
Rudiger’s presence is crucial for Madrid’s defensive stability. His physicality and leadership at the back often play a key role in high-pressure matches, especially against elite opposition like Manchester City.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming match could once again be Rudiger’s potential duel with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Their physical battles have often been decisive in previous encounters between the two clubs.
In midfield, Real Madrid have also received a boost with Eduardo Camavinga recovering from a health issue that briefly sidelined him. The French midfielder is expected to return to the squad and could play an important role in controlling the tempo of the game.
Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono are also back in contention after serving suspension bans in previous matches. Their availability gives Arbeloa additional tactical options, particularly in midfield and defensive rotations.
With these reinforcements, Real Madrid still maintain a level of depth in certain areas of the squad despite the injury crisis.
Ferland Mendy Expected to Shoulder Defensive Responsibility
With Alvaro Carreras unavailable, the responsibility at left-back now falls heavily on Ferland Mendy. The French defender is likely to start and will play a critical role in protecting Madrid’s defensive flank.
Mendy’s task will not be easy. Manchester City are known for their fast and technically gifted wingers who can exploit defensive weaknesses. Maintaining discipline and positional awareness will be essential for Mendy throughout the match.
Small defensive errors could prove costly against a team as clinical as Manchester City. Therefore, Madrid’s defensive organization must be close to perfect if they hope to contain Guardiola’s attacking system.
The coaching staff will also be monitoring the fitness of the remaining squad members closely. With several players already unavailable, avoiding additional injuries before kickoff is a top priority for the club.
A Crucial Test for Real Madrid’s Squad Depth
The upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester City will be more than just a battle between two European giants. It will also serve as a major test of Real Madrid’s squad depth and resilience during a difficult moment of the season.
Despite the injury setbacks, Los Blancos remain a team with immense experience in European competitions. The players who step onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu will carry the responsibility of keeping Madrid’s Champions League hopes alive.
Support from the Madridistas inside the stadium could provide an additional emotional boost for the team. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu has often played a decisive role in famous European nights.
If Real Madrid can overcome their injury troubles and deliver a strong performance against Manchester City, it would once again demonstrate the club’s reputation for thriving under pressure on the biggest stage.
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