David Alaba is fit enough to be among the substitutes for Real Madrid’s Champions League face-off with Manchester City later today.
The defender looked set to miss the semi-final second leg, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming that Nacho will most likely partner Eder Militao at the back.
But he has been named in the matchday squad for the semi-final second leg, unlike Gareth Bale (back), Isco (illness) and Eden Hazard (ankle).
Casemiro, who missed the first-leg loss against Manchester City, was deployed at centre-back in the weekend win over Espanyol that sealed another LaLiga title, but returns to a more natural midfield berth for Wednesday’s crunch tie.
“I don’t have any doubts. Alaba can’t play,” Ancelotti had said on Tuesday.
“I don’t have doubts, it will possibly be a long game too but it’s not so important who starts as it is who finishes it. The defence system is the same. Alaba is an important player but Nacho’s played very well this season.
“He’s experienced and I’m sure he’ll put on a good performance tomorrow.”
Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos were rested for that Espanyol clash, return to the starting line-up.
Rodrygo drops to the bench, with Benzema and Vinicius Jr tasked with getting the goals to fire Real to another Champions League final.
Starting XI: Courtois Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius
Subs: Lunin, Fuidias, Alaba, Vallejo, Asensio, Marcelo, Jovic, Vazquez, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Mariano, Camavinga,
