Real Madrid’s defensive woes have escalated following the announcement of David Alaba’s thigh injury, which raises significant concerns as they prepare for a critical sequence of fixtures. This injury marks another setback for the squad, which is already grappling with a dwindling roster of fit defenders. Alaba, who had only recently made his return to action after being sidelined due to an ACL injury since December 2023, now faces an uncertain recovery timeline. The club’s immediate fixtures include the highly anticipated Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid, as well as a crucial knockout match against Manchester City in the Champions League—two games that could shape the trajectory of their season.
Adding to these concerns is the injury crisis affecting other key players in the defense. Antonio Rüdiger is dealing with a hamstring injury, sustaining it just days before Alaba’s diagnosis. With Éder Militão unavailable for the remainder of the season due to his own long-term ACL tear, coach Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in a precarious situation. Traditionally, a team of Real Madrid’s caliber would have a wealth of talented defenders available, yet they now find themselves down to primarily unconventional options, with midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and young talent Raúl Asencio stepping into crucial roles.
Despite their challenges, Ancelotti has shown resilience and adaptability by utilizing Tchouaméni, typically a midfielder, as a makeshift center-back. This tactical shift underscores the urgency of the situation, but it also raises questions about the effectiveness of such a strategy during crucial matches. Asensio’s limited experience—10 LaLiga appearances and a few in the Champions League—may not be sufficient to weather the storm against formidable opponents.
Compounding the team’s challenges is the decision made during the January transfer window not to secure a replacement defender. Interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, which went unfulfilled, emphasizes Real Madrid’s gamble on their existing squad depth. With club captain Dani Carvajal also sidelined due to a serious knee injury, the defensive frailty could become an Achilles’ heel that teams like Atlético and Manchester City could exploit.
As Real Madrid navigates this turbulent period, the road ahead appears daunting. With significant fixtures looming, the need for strategic adjustments is critical. Ancelotti’s ability to motivate and effectively utilize his available players will be put to the test. In addition, the fitness of the remaining defenders and the overall morale of the team will play essential roles in determining their success in both domestic and European competitions. The coming weeks will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for the depth and resilience of Real Madrid as they seek to maintain their reputation as one of football’s elite clubs.