Real Madrid’s defensive woes deepen as Vazquez Ruled out ahead of Manchester City clash

Vazquez sustained the injury during his team's 1-1 home draw against Atletico Madrid on Saturday night, maintaining their one-point lead over their city rivals at the top of La Liga. "After undergoing medical tests, Lucas Vazquez has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring and will not be included in the squad traveling to Manchester. His recovery will be monitored," the club stated.

Madrid: Real Madrid’s defensive crisis increased ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg tie against Manchester City with the confirmation that right-back Lucas Vazquez will be out for three weeks with a muscle injury.

Vazquez suffered the injury in his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday night, which keeps the team one point ahead of its neighbor at the top of La Liga.

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“Following tests carried out on Lucas Vazquez, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring, meaning he will not be in the squad to travel to Manchester. His recovery will be assessed,” the club said in a statement.

The right-back’s injury comes at the worst possible time for his club, with Dani Carvajal out of action for the season, while central defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba will also miss the play-off, along with long-term injury absentee Eder Militao, reports Xinhua.

Real Madrid travel to Manchester on Monday to tackle the first leg of the tie on Tuesday which will decide who goes through to the last sixteen of the Champions League.

The starting XI in the derby completed a recovery session using the indoor facilities. The rest of the squad started out in the gym before heading onto the pitches where they worked on rondos and possession drills.

Real Madrid squad:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Sergio Mestre.

Defenders: Vallejo, Fran García, Mendy, Jacobo, Asencio and Lorenzo.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos and Chema.

Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappe, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim and Gonzalo.