Real Madrid have announced their squad for the second leg of their Champion League semi-final against Chelsea.
The Blues hold an away goal advantage heading into Wednesday’s clash following a 1-1 draw in the first meeting after goals from Christian Pulisic and Karim Benzema.
Madrid will be without Raphael Varane, Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal at Stamford Bridge, but will be boosted by the return of Sergio Ramos and Ferland Mendy from injury.
Big Midweek: Chelsea v Real Madrid, De Bruyne, Arteta
Ramos has been out since the end of March with a muscle injury and Mendy has been absent since mid-April with a calf problem.
But both returned to individual training over the weekend and have now been included in the Champions League squad.
Marcelo also returns having been called to serve on an election board in Madrid today, and Fede Valverde has now returned two negative coronavirus tests after contracting the virus and missing five games.
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers – Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Diego Altube.
Defenders – Eder Militao, Sergio Ramos, Nacho Fernandez, Marcelo, Alvaro Odriozola, Ferland Mendy, Miguel Gutierrez.
Midfielders – Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Fede Valverde, Isco, Sergio Arribas, Antonio Blanco.
Forwards – Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Vinicius Jr, Mariano, Rodrygo.
Hazard came on for a brief cameo in the first leg but could start against his former club on Wednesday after starting and impressing in the La Liga win over Osasuna on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has detailed the “brutal” differences between managing in the Premier League and Ligue 1.
“To go from Ligue 1 to the Premier League? It’s brutal, honestly. Very brutal,” Tuchel said.
“In France, we played the same number of matches, two cups and there are also 20 teams in the Championship. But the intensity and challenge of the Championship are really very different here. It’s a completely different level.
“It’s pretty ruthless, it keeps you on your own and it makes you get up early in the morning. There is simply no time to breathe. There is not too much time to sit down, to be relaxed or comfortable.
“And that’s a good thing, it sharpens your mentality and mind. That’s what I find impressive in this club.
“Everyone is on the front line. Players are aware of these challenges and requirements. They are up to the task of recovering, in their approach to their work, during the time they spend here at the club.
“Everyone at the club is aware of what it takes to be in shape. That’s why it’s impressive.
“We arrive at every game with the knowledge and deep conviction that we are perfectly prepared for this and that we can perform at the highest level and adapt.”
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