Real Madrid Left Back Álvaro Carreras Sidelined with Calf Injury, Champions League Tie in Doubt
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid’s injury woes continue to mount as left-back Álvaro Carreras has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right calf, the club confirmed on Monday. The injury throws his availability for the crucial Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City into serious doubt, adding to the already extensive list of absentees for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Carreras, who recently returned to the club after a loan spell with Benfica, sustained the injury following the match against Getafe on March 2nd and had been training individually since then. He was already unavailable for the La Liga match against Celta Vigo due to a yellow card suspension.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for Real Madrid, as they prepare to face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday. According to the club’s official statement, Carreras will likely miss both legs of the tie, with a potential return dependent on his recovery progress. The 22-year-old Spaniard has develop into an increasingly important player for Real Madrid since rejoining the club in July 2025, having played 23 matches and scoring two goals in La Liga this season, according to Transfermarkt. He has accumulated 2,949 minutes on the pitch, making him the fifth most utilized player in the squad.
Racing medical part.
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) March 9, 2026
Ancelotti Faces Defensive Dilemma
Carreras’ absence adds to a significant injury crisis at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid are already without Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Kylian Mbappé, David Alaba, and Rodrygo Goes, leaving Ancelotti with a depleted squad. Militão is recovering from a muscle tear, while Bellingham is expected to be sidelined for a month with a muscle injury. Mbappé is dealing with knee problems, and Rodrygo suffered a cruciate ligament tear. Alaba is also nursing muscular issues. This brings the total number of unavailable players to ten, as reported by sources.
Despite the setbacks, Ancelotti has options at left-back. Ferland Mendy and Fran García are both available, and Eduardo Camavinga has demonstrated his versatility by previously filling in at the position. However, Carreras’ consistent performances and growing influence have made him a key component of the team’s defensive structure. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be sorely missed against a formidable Manchester City attack.
Carreras’ Journey to Real Madrid
Álvaro Fernández Carreras, born on March 23, 2003, in Ferrol, Spain, began his footballing journey with Racing de Ferrol in 2007, initially playing as a forward where he reportedly scored 100 goals in a single season at the youth level. He transitioned to a left-back role during his time with Deportivo de La Coruña, before joining Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2017. According to Wikipedia, Carreras’ path took him to Manchester United in September 2020, where he signed a four-year contract.
However, his time at Old Trafford was marked by loan spells, first to Preston North Conclude in 2022-2023, where he made 39 appearances, and then to Granada in 2023-2024, featuring in 13 matches. A further loan spell followed with Benfica in 2024, where he played 11 games and scored one goal before returning to Real Madrid in 2025. At Benfica, he featured in 32 matches and scored three goals during the 2024-2025 season.
Impact on Champions League Prospects
The loss of Carreras significantly impacts Real Madrid’s chances in the Champions League. Manchester City, the reigning champions, pose a formidable challenge, and Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his resources to overcome the injury crisis. The first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will be a crucial test of Real Madrid’s resilience and tactical flexibility. The second leg is scheduled for March 17th, and Carreras’ recovery will be closely monitored in the hope that he can play a part in that match.
The club will be hoping for positive news on the recovery fronts of other injured players, with the return of key personnel vital to their ambitions in both the Champions League and La Liga. Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Camavinga are expected to be available for the match against Manchester City, providing some much-needed reinforcement to the squad.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s medical team will be working tirelessly to get Carreras back to full fitness as quickly as possible. The club has not yet provided a specific timeline for his return, but the severity of the calf muscle injury suggests he could be sidelined for several weeks. The next update on Carreras’ condition is expected in the coming days, providing a clearer indication of his availability for future matches. Fans will be anxiously awaiting news, hoping for a swift recovery for the talented left-back.
The club’s next confirmed fixture is the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City on March 17th. Updates on player fitness and team selection will be released closer to the match. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of Real Madrid’s injury situation and their progress in the Champions League.
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