Defensive issues have been a significant problem for Real Madrid this season. With and both suffering season-ending injuries, Alaba and Rudiger were expected to be the backbone of the defense. However, both defenders have also sustained injuries leading up to the crucial match against Manchester City, and now another player has been added to the list.

. He has been removed from the squad for the clash. Vazquez, who left the Atletico Madrid derby with discomfort, underwent tests that revealed the extent of the injury.

"After the tests conducted today on our player by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the hamstring of his left leg. . Pending further evaluation," stated Real Madrid in an official announcement.

With both Carvajal and Vazquez sidelined, . One possible adjustment already made this season is , and with now fully recovered, Ancelotti won't be short of options in midfield.

In light of the recent injuries, . The most affected area is the defense, where the team now has just six players available for four spots.

For the defensive line-up against Manchester City, Real Madrid will rely on four players graduated from "La Fabrica": left-back Fran Garcia (25 years old), center-backs Jacobo Ramon (20) and Raul Asencio (21), and right-back Lorenzo Aguado (22).