Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he has two injury concerns ahead of facing Manchester City with David Alaba and Casemiro both doubts.
Madrid were last in action last Wednesday when they took a step closer to reclaiming the La Liga title with a 3-1 victory over Osasuna. However, the result came with a cost as Alaba — who had scored the opening goal — was later substituted after picking up a strain.
Ancelotti was initially optimistic and said that the Austrian defender was only removed as a precaution, but he is now a major doubt ahead of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with City on Tuesday. Midfield general Casemiro may also be unavailable, too.
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The Brazilian hasn't played since Los Blancos' thrilling triumph over Chelsea in the last round as he was suspended for the trip to Sevilla before then missing Osasuna due to a muscle problem. But Ancelotti sounds more optimistic that the Brazilian will be available to play.
Both players have travelled to Manchester and are in Madrid's match squad for the game, but a decision on whether they will take part will only be made after Monday evening's training session. "We are going to decide after today's training session," Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference.
"We had some doubts about David Alaba and Casemiro we will see them train today and we will decide. We have more doubts about Alaba than Casemiro but we will see. If he can't play tomorrow he will definitely be ready for the second leg."
Ancelotti was also asked what it will take to get past City. "Well, we have to play well. It's going to be a very open tie," he added.
"We'll have to spend a lot of time on the pitch and there are very mixed feelings ahead of these games because on the one hand, we're very happy because we're very close to the Champions League final, which is the most important competition in the world but on the other hand, we're facing a very tough opponent.
"We are used of course to this situation and these kind of opponents. Lately, we have had some tough matches, we've managed to beat teams who were considered to be favourites to win this competition and we're ready for another tough opponent and we'll try to do our best."
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