Real Madrid midfielder will play as makeshift right-back until Lucas Vazquez returns

Following the injury to Lucas Vazquez earlier this month, Real Madrid find themselves without a natural right-back as Dani Carvajal has already been ruled out for the season.

Vazquez is expected to be out of action for at least a month, giving manager Carlo Ancelotti a major selection headache as Eder Militao, who could have served as an emergency backup, is also out for the season with an ACL injury.

Fede Valverde to full in

Now, according to AS, with the manager running out of options, Federico Valverde will serve as a makeshift right-back for Real Madrid until Lucas Vazquez is ready to return.

Valverde, who has not been at his best in recent matches, did move to right-back in the last game against Osasuna after the injuries and made an impression on Ancelotti.

It is not an entirely unfamiliar role for the Uruguayan international as he has played in that position on four occasions, five if we count the final stretch of the defeat against Sheriff Tiraspol (1-2) in the Champions League of the 2021-22 campaign.

Even though there are youngsters like Jesus Fortea and Loren Aguado available as possible options, given the crucial juncture of the season and the pressure on the team, it appears like Ancelotti and Real Madrid will look to rely on a seasoned performer like Valverde.

The midfielder has reportedly not been entirely happy with how the manager has used him this campaign. But he will once again put the team’s needs ahead and is ready to fill in at right-back in the absence of Carvajal, Vazquez, and Militao.