Latest Chelsea transfer rumours rated: Haaland, de Ligt, Nunez

At the time of writing, focus for the senior men’s Chelsea team is solely on Real Madrid and the Champions League. The task at hand is monumental: beating the iconic Spanish club whilst overturning a 3-1 deficit. If readers were not aware, away goals do not affect the aggregate score. While that fact of UCL life may seem beneficial as Real were denied extra advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, the Blues won’t have a bonus if they score at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. To quote The Godfather Part II, ‘it’s difficult – not impossible’. Meanwhile, there is a boost ahead of the clash as adaptable veteran captain Cesar Azpilicueta returns to proceedings. Unfortunately Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Ross Barkley will miss out through illness; while achilles problems see Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi sidelined for the European contest. We won’t speak of Ben Chilwell again until preseason, as he is unavailable. You can read Pride of London’s more comprehensive thoughts on injury and roster concerns by clicking here. There is also a predicted XI included.

Over in Madrid, there have been updates for their personnel before the follow up quarterfinal meeting. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were victorious over Getafe at home on Saturday. Casemiro and Vazquez did the damage for the 2-0 result before the Spanish prepared for the Champions League. Ancelotti chose to rest ageing but ultra-effective duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos for La Liga action. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are thought to be ready for recalls, too. Eder Militao will, more than likely, be replaced by Nacho in the Whites’ starting lineup, according to AS. Federico Valverde is another expected to begin the game; the midfielder was praised for a rather astute as well as impactful display against the Pensioners at the Bridge.