Real Madrid are once again dealing with injury troubles in the first half of the season, but the situation has worsened. David Alaba is not expected to return until January, and with Dani Carvajal sidelined, Lucas Vázquez is the only natural right-back available, leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti with limited defensive options.
Following Real Madrid’s win over Villarreal, and the confirmation of Carvajal’s season-ending injury, Marca reports that Ancelotti held a meeting with General Manager José Ángel Sánchez and Sporting Director Santiago Solari to assess their options. The trio reviewed the academy and squad, analyzing each position in terms of injury status and depth.
Ancelotti has made it clear that he believes the squad is one or two players short, especially after missing out on Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United instead of Real Madrid. Now, the coach, Solari, and Sánchez are in agreement that reinforcements are needed. They fear the team’s goals for the season are at risk if no action is taken.
The three are set to meet with President Florentino Pérez in January to push for signings, but Pérez remains unconvinced. Real Madrid rarely make moves in the winter transfer window, and Pérez will need significant persuasion to change this approach.
As it stands, the club has only three fit center-backs—Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Jesús Vallejo—while Vázquez is the sole right-back, which is far from ideal for a long, demanding season. Vázquez, already 33 years old, may struggle to carry the load. However, Pérez may point to last season, when Ancelotti successfully improvised with his squad when needed.