Real Madrid veteran will start against Man City if fully fit – report | OneFootball

After a narrow 3-2 win over Manchester City in the first leg of the UCL knockout playoffs, Real Madrid are gearing up for yet another crucial clash against the Premier League champions this midweek.

Although Real Madrid were able to survive the first leg despite their depleted defensive unit, the second leg could prove more difficult, knowing Man City will throw everything at them.

Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid will hope to at least have Antonio Rudiger to return to action, so that Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t get forced to once again start with a makeshift central defensive combination.

Real Madrid ready to start Rudiger

To that end, a recent report from MARCA suggests that Real Madrid are all ready to start Rudiger if he is indeed fully fit for the tie.

Will Rudiger start against Man City? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This comes on the back of recent reports which claimed that Real Madrid are set for a triple injury boost heading into the Man City clash.

David Alaba has already been seen training with the rest of the group. But it remains to be seen whether or not Rudiger will make the cut for this week’s encounter.

It is likely that the German international will be a part of the squad that will take on Man City. However, his availability for a starting role can only be determined after he returns to full training.

One thing is for certain – Real Madrid are willing to take risks with their defenders this week, knowing they simply cannot afford to lose against Manchester City and bow out of UCL early this season.

Rudiger’s return will allow Carlo Ancelotti to move Aurelien Tchouameni back to his preferred position in the midfield give that Raul Asencio performed admirably against the Premier League team last time out.