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Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his hope that Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy will be available for selection for Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The return of Ceballos and Mendy would represent a major boost to Ancelotti’s squad. The pair have been sidelined due to injuries but are now working on returning to the field. Mendy is expected to return on April 8 for the match against Arsenal, while Ceballos aims to recover in time for the La Liga match against Alaves on April 13.
Ceballos sustained a hamstring injury in late February during a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad. Mendy picked up a hamstring injury during Real Madrid’s Champions League penalty shootout victory against Atletico Madrid.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga, behind Barcelona by three points in a tight three-way title race that also includes Atletico Madrid. They have three matches lined up before the crucial Champions League quarter final match against Arsenal, including a home game against Leganes on March 29, a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, and a match against Valencia on April 5.
The potential return of Ceballos and Mendy would provide Ancelotti with additional options for squad rotation during this busy period. Real Madrid are also dealing with other injury concerns, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is expected to return soon from a minor issue.
WHAT NEXT FOR CEBALLOS & MENDY?
Both players are focused on their recovery and aiming to be fit for the upcoming matches. Ancelotti stated, “We’re in the process of recovering both Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos for the first leg against Arsenal. We are trying to get both of them back.”
While the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal is a significant fixture, Ancelotti has emphasized that La Liga remains the priority for Real Madrid. The team will need to balance their efforts across multiple competitions as they seek success in both domestic and European tournaments.
