MADRID, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces a continued injury crisis as his side prepares to face Elche in La Liga with an eye on next Tuesday's Champions League return leg away to Manchester City.

Fede Valverde's stunning first-half hat-trick gave Real Madrid a 3-0 first leg win at home to Manchester City on Wednesday night and morale is sky high at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

However, there is very little time for recovery between Wednesday and Saturday and then Tuesday and Arbeloa has a long list of injuries to deal with after Ferland Mendy joined Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Alvaro Carreras on the injury list.

"We're playing for the league title; it's a crucial match. We want an atmosphere similar to the one at (Manchester) City," said Arbeloa in his pre-game press conference.

Fran Garcia will play at left back, while Gonzalo will probably start in attack, with young midfielder Thiago given another opportunity after impressing in midweek.

Meanwhile Eduardo Camavinga should give Aurelien Tchouameni a rest in central midfield and Dani Carvajal has options at right back.

"We'll field our best possible eleven to win. I'm not thinking about anything else. The players have to give their all after every match," commented the Real Madrid coach, who said his side had to be "ready to fight like they did on Wednesday." ■