According to reports, Real Madrid is in an injury crisis! Three of the team’s key defenders are injured: Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba. Rüdiger has suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks.

Ferland Mendy is also severely injured. The French defender has torn his right quadriceps muscle and will miss the rest of the season, including the Club World Cup in the U.S.
David Alaba, who recently returned from an ACL injury, has now suffered a torn left knee meniscus and will be out for a similar duration as Rüdiger.

Carlo Ancelotti must now continue without his main defensive options: Dani Carvajal, Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Mendy are all injured.

Elimination from the Champions League, defeat in the Copa del Rey final, and second place in La Liga behind Barcelona. The crucial El Clásico will also take place on May 11 at Montjuïc Stadium.

Given the circumstances, Ancelotti may not be on Real Madrid’s bench for the Club World Cup. But the question is: How should the Italian coach rebuild his defense for the rest of the season?

Rüdiger, Mendy, and Alaba have all undergone surgery. According to reports, Rüdiger had been playing with knee pain for eight months, relying on painkillers. Alaba, who returned in January after 399 days out, saw his recovery process not go as expected.

Dani Carvajal has been recovering from an ACL injury since October but hopes to return for the Club World Cup. Militão is also pushing to make the tournament. Eduardo Camavinga, who was temporarily deployed as a left-back, has also been ruled out for the season due to a groin injury.

Internal Concerns Over Excessive Pressure

Reports suggest Real Madrid’s medical staff raised concerns about excessive pressure on Rüdiger and Militão as early as September. However, due to a lack of alternatives, both players continued playing and are now injured. Doctors have warned about insufficient rest for many players. Yet, from inside the training camp: “As always, we must find a solution. We must finish the season well.”

Ancelotti can now rely on Raúl Asensio, Jesús Vallejo, Lucas Vázquez, and Fran García. However, Vallejo has played only 10 minutes this season. The club plans to use Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense. However, if Tchouaméni receives a yellow card against Celta Vigo, he will be suspended for El Clásico.

Federico Valverde may be deployed as a right-back. Sources from Valdebebas predict Ancelotti will promote three to four reserve players to the first team each week. From the academy, they say: “We are being crushed.”