Real Madrid is gearing up for what could be the defining match of their 2024-25 season. Down 3-0 on aggregate against Arsenal after a shock first-leg defeat in London, Los Blancos are staring at a rare early exit from a tournament they have historically dominated. But just as crucial as the tactical tweaks and lineup reshuffles Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make, the spotlight also falls on two players who won’t be there to help mount the comeback.
A starter who had become key to Madrid’s European campaign, and another who has provided depth in recent months, have both been ruled out less than 24 hours before kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu. Their absence further complicates Real Madrid’s mission to claw back into the quarter-final tie.
Missing from action: Two stars still on the sidelines
Only after sifting through the club’s training sessions and media reports does the full extent of Real Madrid’s injury woes come to light. Ferland Mendy, the French left-back who had made the Champions League starting XI his own, remains out due to a hamstring injury.
Mendy “has been out since the UCL Round of 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid last month,” reported Marca. “Despite hopes he might recover in time for the first leg against Arsenal, things have not gone as planned. He is still not training with the group.”
The club’s original hope was to have the Frenchman back in time for at least one leg of this quarter-final, especially to help contain Bukayo Saka, who wreaked havoc down Madrid’s left side in the first leg. Instead, Ancelotti was forced to field David Alaba at left-back — a position he once excelled in but hasn’t consistently played since moving to center-back. It proved costly.
Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper, is also sidelined. Though he plays second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, Lunin has been a dependable option in domestic and Copa del Rey fixtures. His absence stems from a muscle injury sustained during the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad.
“Lunin has missed three matches and has not recovered yet,” wrote Diario AS. While Courtois was always expected to start against Arsenal, Lunin’s absence still leaves Madrid thin in terms of backup.
Camavinga suspended, but Tchouameni returns
To add to Ancelotti’s selection conundrum, Eduardo Camavinga will also miss the clash — not due to injury, but suspension. The French midfielder was sent off during the first leg for kicking the ball away in frustration, a moment of petulance that now deprives Real Madrid of one of their most versatile players.
On a more positive note, Aurelien Tchouameni, who was suspended in the first leg, will be back and is “a safe bet to start,” according to Sport. His return could offer more stability in midfield as Madrid look to take control of the tempo early against Mikel Arteta’s side.
