Carvajal and Militao Join the Injury List

Real Madrid enter Matchday 2 of the Champions League with major defensive concerns. After the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid, both Dani Carvajal and Éder Militao joined the absences of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy.

Captain Carvajal was already suspended following his red card against Olympique de Marseille, but he will also miss about a month of action after suffering a muscle tear in his right calf during the derby.

Meanwhile, Militao was forced off at halftime after injuring his left ankle early in the match. Although scans ruled out bone damage, the heavy contusion will keep him out against Kairat Almaty.

Xabi Alonso Turns to the Academy

Given the situation, Xabi Alonso has had to call up academy talent. Young defender David Jiménez was added to the squad to help cover the defensive gaps.

The senior defenders available include Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, and Fran García.

In goal, Javi Navarro replaces Sergio Mestre as the third-choice keeper. Despite the long trip, Alonso chose not to rest any of his key starters after the heavy defeat against Atlético de Madrid, their first loss of the season.

The full squad for the clash against Kairat Almaty is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Javi Navarro.
Defenders: David Jiménez, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García.
Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler.
Forwards: Brahim, Mastantuono, Vinícius, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Endrick.

The Spanish giants head to Kazakhstan with every available first-team player, hoping to bounce back from their league setback and remain solid in Europe.