According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, is facing an unprecedented crisis in his squad. Out of the 21 called-up players, eight are from the academy: Mestres, David Jiménez, Jacobo Ramón, Mario Rivas, Yusi, Chema, Víctor Muñoz, and Gonzalo. If Marco Asensio, who is practically considered a Castilla player, is added to this list, the percentage rises to 43%. This situation is the result of an “injury pandemic” and suspensions, leaving Real Madrid with 10 absentees.

The team is struggling with nine injured players: Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez (injured yesterday), Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Vinícius Júnior (diagnosed with an injury on Monday), and Rodrygo. To this list, Aurélien Tchouaméni must also be added, who is suspended due to receiving his fifth yellow card in El Clásico. As a result, only 12 first-team players are available.

Rodrygo’s case is the most peculiar. He has not played since being substituted at halftime in the Copa del Rey semifinal. After missing the match against Celta due to a viral illness, Ancelotti announced before the second-leg La Liga Clásico that he was ready, but against Barcelona, Rodrygo did not even warm up, with other players like Brahim Díaz, Andrić, and Víctor Muñoz preferred over him. Yesterday morning, Rodrygo attended training but left the pitch due to discomfort in his right foot and was subsequently ruled out.

Ancelotti, who has shown little inclination to use academy players throughout the season, now has no choice but to rely on them. With this fragile lineup, Real Madrid must face Mallorca, a team that, while not a major challenge, could pose a serious threat under these circumstances. This match is a major test of Ancelotti’s adaptability and the fighting spirit of Real Madrid’s young players. Can La Fábrica save Real Madrid in this crisis? The answer will be revealed at the Bernabéu.