Boost for Bayern: Isco out for Real Madrid clash

Bayern Munich have received a small boost to their Champions League hopes as Real Madrid midfielder Isco was officially ruled out for the second leg. The Spaniard was initially sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained in the first leg, but managed to return to training. Now, it seems that Zinedine Zidane will have to make do without him.

Here is Madrid’s official roster for the Bernabeu game. Note the absentees:

Isco becomes the second high profile player to be ruled out of the second leg, after right back Dani Carvajal was sidelined with injury in Munich. In their absence, Zidane is expected to start Lucas Vasquez at right back and Marco Asensio in midfield, but a formation change might be required to accommodate them.

One of Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema should also be expected to start, as Real have one more spot to fill on the starting XI. Who Zidane will choose is anyone’s guess. Despite Real Madrid’s injury issues, it’s a lot worse for Bayern Munich. Arjen Robben has been ruled out, and Kingsley Coman, Manuel Neuer, and Arturo Vidal are both going to miss the semi final with long term injuries.

With that taken into consideration, plus the fact that the Bavarians are 2-1 down from the first leg, Tuesday’s game will be far from simple.