Real Madrid defender remains a doubt for UCL clash against Manchester City | OneFootball

Over the weekend, it was reported that Real Madrid may be blessed with the return of Alvaro Carreras heading into their second leg affair against Manchester City.

The former Benfica fullback had done part training with the group on the weekend and even flew to Manchester as part of the Real Madrid contingent.

The club were hopeful that Carreras would be given the medical clearance to start against Man City this midweek.

Carreras remains a doubt

However, a recent report from The Athletic has indicated that Carreras featuring against Manchester City in the second leg is still not a guarantee.

Although he was part of the party that flew to Manchester, he has yet to receive medical clearance and therefore, his participation remains a question.

Carreras remains a doubt vs Manchester City this midweek. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

This will serve as a blow for coach Alvaro Arbeloa as the Real Madrid manager clearly trusts Carreras way more than Fran Garcia in the left-back position.

On the bright side, though, Carreras’ potential absence will give Arbeloa an ideal excuse to form a very defensive lineup, since the Spaniard is more of an attacking fullback, who could be prone to leaving spaces in behind.

Therefore, having someone more defensive in the role could help Real Madrid fortify their defences, especially on a night when Manchester City will be going for the kill.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been handed a huge boost in the form of Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman is sure to feature this midweek, although it will be interesting to see whether or not Arbeloa puts him right back into the starting eleven.

Such a move won’t go down well with France fans, as it would risk aggravating his injury – something Mbappe or France can’t afford, just a few months before the 2026 World Cup.