Real Madrid facing Man City nightmare as huge new injury emerges after Kylian Mbappe update

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Real Madrid fell to a 1-0 home defeat at the weekend, in a match that also provided a major injury blow ahead of next week's Champions League tie against Manchester City

Real Madrid are facing an injury crisis ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City. In what seems to becoming a regular occurrence in the competition, the two teams face each other in the first knock-out stages.

City travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday next week as they look to take an advantage into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium just under a week later. Ahead of the tie, Real Madrid have been handed a new major injury blow.

It has been confirmed that forward Rodrygo has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Getafe. He picked up the injury just minutes after entering the pitch as a substitute, but was able to finish the game.

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He was assessed by medical staff in the changing room after the match, with further tests on Monday confirming the bad news. It means the Brazil interntional will be sidelined for the rest of the season and this summer’s World Cup.

The injury leaves the Spanish sides short on forward options going into Friday's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo and the first leg against City.

Kylian Mbappe is a major doubt for both game, with L’Equipe reporting that he is expected to miss the first leg. The club are reported to be targeting a return for the second leg on March 17th.

Vinicius Jr and Gonzalo Garcia will be the only forward options available to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa for this week's match away at Celta Vigo. A late red card shown to Franco Mastantuono against Getafe means that he will be suspended for the game.

The 18-year-old midfielder will be available to face City in the Champions League, barring any injury.

Giving his reaction to being drawn against City, Arbeola said: “It is going to be an exciting duel between two great clubs.

“It is a tie that the Madridistas like a lot because of the size of the opponent. When the time comes, we will prepare it to the maximum, knowing the demand it will entail.”

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