Real Madrid Midfielder Expected To Return For Real Madrid Vs Man City Second Leg
Carlo Ancelotti has largely trusted Dani Ceballos as the first-line replacement for Luka Modric this season. Over the months, the Spaniard has enjoyed a resurgence under the Italian and a new contract at the club is suddenly no longer a distant possibility.
When the team’s Croatian ace was injured in the clash against Girona, however, the alarm bells in Madrid rang. Modric was expected to be out for the first leg against Manchester City, and Carlo Ancelotti doused the flames by maintaining that Ceballos could fill in for the missing veteran.
Ironically, the Spaniard suffered an unfortunate injury last week and missed the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side while Modric recovered and even started.
According to reports from Javier Herraez (h/t Madrid Xtra), Ceballos could return in time for Real Madrid’s second leg against Manchester City scheduled for next week. He is, however, certainly ruled out of the team’s weekend fixture.
Los Blancos only managed a 1-1 draw to the Premier League champions on Tuesday and have everything to play for when they lock horns again next Wednesday. However, it will be a tricky clash at the Etihad.
In view of the high-voltage fixture anticipated next week, Ancelotti has decided to completely rotate his starting level for the weekend fixture against Getafe. Ceballos would have been one of the first names on the team sheet in such a scenario but will, unfortunately, miss the clash.
The chances of Ceballos starting next Wednesday are near zero, but one cannot rule out an appearance off the bench if he is available. After all, every small cameo can have a special storyline in a competition like the UEFA Champions League.
In 25 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos this season, Ceballos has provided three assists and created one big chance. Further, he averages one key pass and close to seven defensive actions per ninety minutes.
