Real Madrid have included Aurelien Tchouameni in their 22-man squad against Manchester City despite him being unable to play.
Los Blancos face the Premier League leaders at the Etihad on Wednesday night in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, live on talkSPORT.
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Tchouameni is suspended for the second leg clash at the EtihadCredit: Getty
Carlo Ancelotti will be without versatile star Tchouameni, who started the pulsating 3-3 first leg draw against City.
The 24-year-old is suspended after picking his third yellow card in the competition this season against the European Cup holders.
He conceded the free-kick from which Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the Spanish capital.
Despite this, the France international has still travelled to England and will train with his side ahead of the clash.
His absence could be a huge blow for Real, with Tchouameni – a natural midfielder who has often played at centre-back this term – making 34 appearances for the club in all competitions.
That includes him playing the full 90 minutes in the LaLiga side’s last three Champions League games following his recovery from injury.
It’s likely Nacho Fernandez or Eder Militao will step into the heart of defence in his absence.
Tchouameni scored the only goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Mallorca at the weekend.
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Tchouameni was booked in the thrilling six-goal thriller at the Bernabeu last weekCredit: Getty
And after the game, Ancelotti suggested he may not be the only absentee at the Etihad either, with Rodrygo’s availability for the clash yet to be confirmed.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s win, Ancelotti said: “I think we played well.
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“I did not give rest due to a physical aspect. Everyone was fine. Only Rodrygo, who had a knock.”
The Real boss is set to provide an update on his players’ availability when he speaks to the media on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, City are only sweating on the fitness of John Stones.
Otherwise, the 2023 Champions League winners are without any injuries as they look to defend their title and advance into the semi-finals.
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