Real Madrid star Federico Valverde is set to be forced into an altogether unfavoured role for the club’s upcoming showdown with Manchester City.
As much comes amid confirmation of a fresh injury blow in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Los Blancos were of course back in action on Saturday night, playing host to city rivals Atlético in a crunch top-of-the-table La Liga clash.
And, en route to an eventual 1-1 draw between the sides, yet another member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad picked up a fitness problem.
As confirmed in a statement across Real Madrid’s website and social media platforms:
‘Following tests carried out today on our player Lucas Vázquez by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the hamstring of his left leg. He will not be included in the squad for the match in Manchester. Pending progress.’
With Dani Carvajal also sidelined long-term, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff will therefore be forced into emergency measures at right-back at The Etihad on Tuesday night.
And, according to journalist Miguel Ángel Díaz of COPE, the plan has already been drawn up: midfielder Federico Valverde will take his place on the right of Real Madrid’s backline against Manchester City.
Conor Laird – GSFN
