An Old Nightmare Returns

Real Madrid’s defense seems cursed. Under Carlo Ancelotti, serious injuries to Militao, Alaba and Carvajal, along with fitness problems for Rüdiger and Mendy, forced the coach to improvise with players like Tchouaméni, Valverde or Camavinga in defensive roles.

This summer, with Xabi Alonso in charge, the club tried to bolster the backline with three signings: Trent to relieve Carvajal, Dean Huijsen to reinforce the center of defense, and Álex Carreras for the left back spot. A clear statement that the club wanted to put an end to its defensive nightmare.

Back in Trouble

Despite those reinforcements, the story has repeated itself. Rüdiger picked up an injury with Germany and will be out for three months, a huge blow as he was the main backup for Militao and Huijsen. On top of that, Trent will miss between six and eight weeks.

The list doesn’t end there: Mendy has been absent since last season’s Copa del Rey final, and Huijsen has already picked up two red cards under Xabi Alonso. The Dutchman is set to miss the next clash against Espanyol, while Carvajal is suspended in the Champions League after being sent off, potentially sidelining him for up to three games.

Forced Solutions

The situation leaves Asencio and Alaba as emergency options, though neither seems to fully convince Xabi Alonso. At Anoeta, the coach preferred to drop Tchouaméni into defense after Huijsen’s red card rather than bring on his natural defenders, though he eventually used them later in the match.

Looking ahead to the Champions League, the big question is at right back: with no Trent or Carvajal, the most logical solution might be to turn again to Asencio, who already filled in against Marseille. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if Valverde returned to a role he frequently covered under Ancelotti.