The UEFA Champions League is back with a bang as Europe’s elite clubs battle it out for a place in the knockout stages. But which star players are facing a desperate race against time to prove their fitness ahead of this week’s crucial matchups?
Latest Injury News & Predicted Lineups
We dive into the team news from all the top contenders to bring you the most up-to-date information on who’s fit, who’s out, and who’s facing a late fitness test. Plus, our predicted starting XIs show you how we expect the teams to line up.
Manchester City vs Club Brugge
Pep Guardiola’s squad has been hit by injuries, with Nathan Aké and Rúben Dias both ruled out. There are also doubts over Rodri and Jérémy Doku. Here’s how we expect them to line up:
- Man City (Predicted XI): Ederson; Gvardiol, Akanji, Stones, Nunes; B. Silva, Kovacic; Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
PSG vs VfB Stuttgart
PSG have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Nuno Mendes suspended. Stuttgart have a few injury concerns though, including doubts over keeper Alexander Nübel. The predicted formations:
- PSG (Predicted XI): Donnarumma; Beraldo, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hakimi; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Barcola, Lee, Dembélé
- Stuttgart (Predicted XI): Nübel*; Mittelstädt, Chabot, Stergiou, Vagnoman; Führich, Keitel, Stiller, Leweling; Undav, Millot
Real Madrid vs Brest
Los Blancos are without Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão long-term, while Vinícius Jr is suspended. Brest have a lengthier absentee list to contend with.
- Real Madrid (Predicted XI): Courtois; Mendy, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Vázquez; Bellingham, Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Díaz
- Brest (Predicted XI): Bizot; Lage, Chardonnet, Ndiaye, Lala; Magnetti, Fernandes; Doumbia, Camara, Del Castillo; Ajorque
Brest are underdogs but they’ll hope to catch an understrength Real off-guard. It’s still a daunting task though, as this quote from manager Eric Roy underlines:
We know the immense quality they have, even without some key players. It will require a perfect performance to get anything from the game.
– Eric Roy, Brest Manager
Fantasy Updates & Advice
For fantasy managers, the injury and suspension news is crucial for getting your lineup right. Based on the latest information, here are some players to consider:
- Erling Haaland – fixture proof, must-own premium forward
- Kylian Mbappé – inconsistent but has explosive potential
- Reece James – back fit and a constant attacking threat from wing-back
With many top stars facing a race against time, make sure you stay flexible with your transfers and keep an eye on the latest news up until the deadline. The Champions League waits for no one, so ensure you’re armed with the latest information to get the edge in your leagues.
