Real Madrid is going through a defensive crisis after Dani Carvajal's calf injury during the Madrid derby, which removed it from the field for about a month. Trent Alexander-Arnold being already absent up to eight weeks, the Merengues find themselves without any natural right side, forcing Xabi Alonso to improvise before a series of crucial matches.
Carvajal joins Alexander-Arnold on the injured list
Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday that Captain Carvajal was injured in the right leg during the defeat against Atlético de Madrid. The 32-year-old should be absent from the field for about four weeks, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold on the injured list. Alexander-Arnold, who recalls an injury to the hamstrings, should not return before the end of November, leaving Real Madrid short of the right side. Real Madrid is experiencing serious problems as a right side.
The Madrid's right side crisis rekindled a problem that seemed to be resolved after the signing of Alexander-Arnold and the return of Carvajal of injury earlier this month. Among the possible options are Valverde, despite his reluctance to take up this position, and Raul Asencio, 22. This last setback is added to the growing concerns after a heavy defeat in the derby which could allow Barcelona to overtake Madrid in the ranking.
Alonso will face Barcelona without natural right side.
The time of Carvajal's injury is particularly harmful, since it occurs just a few weeks before the first clasico of the season on October 26. The two side will probably not be restored in time, depriving Alonso with a natural option for one of the most important games of the season. This situation recalls that of the January Champions League match against Salzburg, when Madrid had been forced to line up Federico Valverde as a right of emergency.
Real Madrid and Alonso faced with a major challenge
Alonso will now have to reshape its defensive line, Real Madrid preparing for a busy October calendar, with Champions League meetings and Clasico. The coach should experiment with provisional solutions in the coming weeks, pending the return of at least one of his injured side. For the moment, Real Madrid title hopes could depend on its ability to manage the absence of a recognized right side.
