Four tactical solutions Ancelotti could turn to amid Real Madrid injury crisis

Real Madrid’s injury woes have created a challenging situation this season, with seven key players currently sidelined.

The club is managing the absence of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, Aurelien Tchouameni, Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao.

This means Carlo Ancelotti now faces the task of maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive strength despite these setbacks, knowing his options are limited until the holiday season.

The loss of Militao and Vazquez has left Real Madrid with only one central defender, Antonio Rudiger.

As the club tries to go through this challenging period, various defensive solutions are being considered to maintain balance. Here are some of the possible adjustments Ancelotti could explore to keep Real Madrid’s defence steady.

Raul Asencio must start

Young defender Raul Asencio has been added to the first team on a long-term basis and may become a consistent starter alongside Antonio Rudiger due to Tchouameni’s injury.

The 21-year-old has already shown his potential against Osasuna, impressing Ancelotti with his defensive skills and composure. Although his addition came as a result of Militao’s injury, Ancelotti and his staff believe he can play an important role for the team in these difficult times.

His promotion reflects Ancelotti’s trust in Real Madrid’s youth system to fill gaps when injuries arise, and this move could help cover some of the critical gaps in defence for the time being.

Federico Valverde could be a right-back

Federico Valverde’s adaptability makes him a valuable asset in this current situation. He has recently been tested in the right-back role, most notably in a match against Osasuna, where his performance as a temporary defender caught Ancelotti’s attention.

Valverde’s physical prowess and defensive work rate make him a suitable fit for the right-back position, even though his natural role is in the midfield.

While his contributions in midfield will be missed, Valverde’s presence on the right side of the defence could provide a solid, temporary solution until regular players return from injury.

This shift highlights Valverde’s versatility and his willingness to support the team wherever needed, even if it means sacrificing his usual position.

Introduce Jesus Fortea

With limited choices in defence, Ancelotti may look to Jesus Fortea, a promising talent from the youth team. The coach has shown interest in bringing Fortea into the squad, allowing him to gain experience with the first team.

Though Fortea is not expected to be a primary option for the right-back spot, he could be a backup for Valverde or other players in this role, especially with Vazquez out of action.

The youth team has produced strong talents in the past, and Fortea’s inclusion in the first team could provide a necessary boost and a fresh alternative for Real Madrid’s depleted defence.

Use Ferland Mendy as a centre-back

Another option Ancelotti might consider is deploying Ferland Mendy as a centre-back. Normally a left-back, Mendy has the defensive skills and experience to potentially take on a central role.

Although he is not yet in top form following his recovery from previous injuries, his defensive abilities and physical presence make him a candidate for this position.

Mendy has proven himself as a reliable defender in the past, especially during Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign, where he showcased his resilience and strong defensive skills.

Placing him in the centre could relieve Rudiger of some pressure and offer additional support to a backline lacking regular starters.

Balancing defence with limited resources

With each of these changes, Ancelotti must carefully manage player rotation and maintain defensive stability. The absence of key players has forced him to consider unconventional setups, but these adjustments reflect a proactive approach to adapting to the team’s needs.

Real Madrid’s tactical flexibility and depth in their squad are essential strengths during this period, as they navigate the pressures of domestic and European competitions.

The coach must rely on young players like Asencio and Fortea, along with the versatility of veterans like Valverde and Mendy.

As Real Madrid head into a packed schedule with these solutions in place, the hope is that the defensive adjustments will provide enough resilience until the squad is fully restored.