Real Madrid’s defensive line is in disarray as injuries continue to plague the squad, leaving Carlo Ancelotti grappling with tough selection decisions. Key defender David Alaba is sidelined until January due to a long-term injury, while Daniel Carvajal’s recent ACL injury has effectively ruled him out for the entire season.
The situation worsens with Eder Militao, who has been struggling with recurring injuries this season, leaving Ancelotti with only Antonio Rudiger and Jesús Vallejo as fit centre-backs, with the latter not being a trusted option for the manager.
In response to this crisis, Ancelotti is set to experiment with different defensive formations in the upcoming matches. Aurelien Tchouameni, typically a defensive midfielder, is expected to step into a central defensive role as he has done on several occasions this season. Tchouameni expressed his willingness to adapt, stating, “Obviously, I prefer to be in the middle, but I always try to give my best.”
With additional challenges arising in the full-back positions, Ancelotti may also rely on midfielders Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde to fill in as necessary. As it stands, Real Madrid has no plans to make winter transfer market signings and will aim to maximize the use of their current squad to navigate through the season.
The hierarchy for defensive roles will prioritize first-team players shifted out of position before considering academy prospects, ensuring that the focus remains on utilizing existing resources for immediate challenges.
Real Madrid is currently facing a significant defensive crisis as injuries continue to mount within the squad. Carlo Ancelotti is grappling with tough selection decisions, particularly with key defender David Alaba sidelined until January due to a long-term injury. Adding to the woes, Daniel Carvajal has suffered a recent ACL injury, which has ruled him out for the entire season.
Eder Militao’s recurring injuries this season further complicate the situation, leaving Ancelotti with only Antonio Rudiger and Jesús Vallejo as available center-backs. However, Vallejo’s lack of consistent trust from the manager adds an extra layer of uncertainty to the defensive lineup.
In response to these challenges, Ancelotti plans to experiment with various defensive formations in upcoming matches. Aurelien Tchouameni, who usually plays as a defensive midfielder, is expected to transition into a central defensive role, a position he has filled on several occasions this season. Tchouameni expressed his adaptability, stating, “Obviously, I prefer to be in the middle, but I always try to give my best.”
The full-back positions also pose a challenge, with Ancelotti likely to rely on midfielders Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde to step in as needed. Despite the pressing need for reinforcements, Real Madrid currently has no plans to make signings during the winter transfer window. Instead, the club aims to maximize the existing squad to navigate through the remainder of the season.
The hierarchy for filling defensive roles will focus on first-team players being shifted into unfamiliar positions before considering academy prospects, emphasizing the need to utilize available resources effectively to address immediate challenges.
