Real Madrid superstar sidelined for Manchester City clash due to ruptured internal meniscus

Real Madrid and Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash has been hit by a major injury setback.

Pep Guardiola’s reigning European champions will face Los Blancos in the quarter-final, after comfortably defeating FC Copenhagen 6-2 in the last-16.

This meeting follows a thrilling semi-final encounter last season, where Manchester City advanced with a 5-1 aggregate win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The first-leg hosts have been dealt a blow with their main goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, suffering a knee injury and expected to be sidelined for two months.

This season could be over for Courtois, who had recently recovered from an ACL injury.

Manchester City are nearing full fitness, with Jack Grealish returning to the squad after dealing with a groin issue.

Grealish had a setback during an FA Cup match, prompting his extended absence to prevent further complications.

There are concerns over Kevin De Bruyne, but his exclusion from the Belgium squad should allow him to recover in time for the match against Arsenal after the international break.