Real Madrid News
Six Chelsea stars at risk of suspension in UCL quarter-final first leg vs Real Madrid
Chelsea are going to be at risk of losing as many as six outfield players in the second leg when they take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It must be noted that players are liable for an automatic suspension for the next Champions League match after three yellow cards.
For Chelsea, the likes of Thiago Silva, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk and Kepa Arrizabalaga are the six players who have already received two bookings in Europe this season.
On the contrary, Real Madrid have been quite a disciplined unit as do not have any such troubles to take care of.
Interestingly for Madrid, Chelsea are also reeling with a few injury issues. This includes the uncertainty of Thiago Silva’s participation in the contest as well.
The veteran Brazilian has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the Blues’ 2-0 defeat against Tottenham in February and although he did return to training recently, it remains to be seen if Frank Lampard will actually use him from the start or not.
On the other hand, Mason Mount is eligible to play for the Blues after serving his suspension, but as it turns out, the young attacking midfielder is still recovering from his abdominal issue. Similarly, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is yet to recover from his head injury.
At the same time, the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana are not part of Chelsea’s Champions League squad, meaning that options for Lampard are going to be somewhat limited.
For Real Madrid, Ferland Mendy remains the only notable absentee for this fixture while the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
