Manchester City may have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side are expected to travel to the Etihad Stadium without one of their key defensive starters, potentially weakening an area City’s attacking players could look to target.
Left-back Alvaro Carreras has been an important figure for Los Blancos this season, but the Spaniard is now set to miss the European tie due to injury.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Alvaro Carreras injury before Man City clash
The update was reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, who confirmed that the Spanish defender will miss the game against Manchester City.
Romano wrote: “Alvaro Carreras has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the calf of his right leg, Real Madrid confirm. He’s gonna be out for Man City vs Real Madrid on Wednesday.”
Carreras, a former Manchester United defender, arrived at Valdebebas this season and quickly established himself as Real Madrid’s starting left-back.
The Spaniard had missed Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 win over Celta Vigo after serving a suspension, which made his injury even more surprising.
With the second leg between Real Madrid and Man City set to take place next week, there are concerns he could miss both games.
Ferland Mendy likely to replace Alvaro Carreras in Real Madrid starting XI
With Carreras unavailable, Ferland Mendy is the most likely candidate to step into the starting XI for the first leg.
The French full-back was Real Madrid’s primary option at left-back last season, although injuries have regularly disrupted his time at the club.
According to SofaScore, Mendy has played just four matches this season, totalling 202 minutes across all competitions.
He has yet to register a goal or assist this campaign, while Carreras has contributed two goals and two assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
That contrast in form and match rhythm explains why Man City must handle this boost carefully ahead of the first leg.
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