Ancelotti’s Dilemma: Ceballos’ Injury Raises Concerns for Real Madrid’s Second Leg Clash

In what has been a season filled with trust and opportunities for Dani Ceballos, the talented midfielder has emerged as Carlo Ancelotti’s go-to option in the absence of the seasoned campaigner Luka Modric. The Italian manager’s faith in Ceballos has been rewarded with an upturn in form, even fueling talks of a potential contract extension at Real Madrid.

However, the recent clash against Girona sent shockwaves through the Madrid camp as Modric suffered an unfortunate injury, casting doubt over his availability for the crucial first leg encounter against Manchester City. Ancelotti moved quickly to quash the concerns, expressing confidence in Ceballos’ ability to fill the void left by the Croatian maestro.

According to reports from the reputable Javier Herraez (via Madrid Xtra), there is hope that Ceballos could make a timely return for the second leg showdown against Manchester City, scheduled for the following week. Regrettably, he has been definitively ruled out of this weekend’s fixture.

Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Premier League champions on Tuesday, Real Madrid find themselves with everything to play for as they prepare to lock horns once more at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. However, this encounter poses a formidable challenge.

Ceballos has been a reliable presence for Los Blancos this season, contributing three assists and creating one significant scoring opportunity in his 25 appearances in La Liga. Additionally, he boasts an average of one key pass and nearly seven defensive actions per ninety minutes, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.