Madrid: Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure as his side takes on Manchester City in a key Champions League clash on Wednesday night, Xinhua reported.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo has undone much of the positive momentum gained from last week’s win in Bilbao. Alonso’s challenges are compounded by the loss of Eder Militao, who is expected to be out for up to four months following a confirmed rupture of the proximal tendon in his left hamstring.

Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also sidelined, leaving Alonso with Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asensio as his only fit central defenders. Alvaro Carreras could potentially cover in the middle if needed. Alonso is anticipated to field Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, with Fede Valverde possibly dropping into the right-back role.

Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe are set to lead the attack against a Manchester City side that requires a victory at the Bernabeu after a slip-up at home against Bayer Leverkusen in its last European game. Alonso, who played under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, may find his future influenced by his former coach, who has players like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland in excellent form, though Manchester City’s defense remains a topic of concern.

Real Madrid previously eliminated Manchester City in the play-off for the last 16 in last season’s Champions League. While this match may not be as decisive for Manchester City, it could be critical for Alonso, with names such as Zinedine Zidane and B-team coach Alvaro Arbeloa being mentioned as possible short-term replacements.