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Five options for Ancelotti to replace Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid
Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury has put Real Madrid in a state of bother, with coach Carlo Ancelotti having limited options at the back.
Carvajal’s importance in the squad cannot be understated, which is why it will be imperative that the club find an ideal replacement for the veteran defender, who will be out for a year.
Keeping that in mind, Madrid Universal takes a look at all the options available to Ancelotti right now, as he desperately looks to find an alternative for the Spaniard.
Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez is the obvious alternative for Real Madrid following Carvajal’s injury. The veteran star has played the role with aplomb in the past, always stepping up to the plate whenever required.
Real Madrid, for their part, seem to retain ‘total confidence’ in Vazquez, whose experience of operating in the right-back position makes him the best-placed option to replace Carvajal.
Vazquez has previously filled this role effectively, notably starting in 34 of 35 matches during the 2020-21 season when Carvajal was out with an injury.
A similar opportunity has come up once again, though it remains to be seen whether an older Lucas can live up to the challenge.
Eder Militao
Eder Militao is another alternative Ancelotti may consider, should he look beyond Vazquez in the team. Militao used to operate at right-back at times during his spell at FC Porto and Sao Paulo.
Although the Brazilian may not offer much going forward, his defensive solidity could prove to be handy for Real Madrid, especially in the absence of a seasoned pro such as Carvajal.
Deploying Militao, though, could leave Real Madrid vulnerable in central defence, as it would force Ancelotti to start with Aurelien Tchouameni at the heart of the backline, alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Fede Valverde
Fede Valverde is sort of a wildcard option for Ancelotti in his bid to find a replacement for Carvajal.
Although the Uruguayan has performed admirably in midfield, he is a versatile operator who can be deployed at right-back if required.
Valverde can offer zest going forward while his work ethic and defensive contribution could surprisingly make him a balanced alternative for Carvajal at right-back.
Many midfielders in Europe have flourished in a wider defensive role in the past and there is no reason why Valverde, too, can’t follow suit.
David Jimenez
Should Ancelotti look beyond the first-team for Carvajal alternatives, David Jimenez of RM Castilla could be an interesting option.
The 20-year-old has been a consistent performer for Raul’s team and has shown immense potential. He can, therefore, prove to be a handy option for Ancelotti.
Apart from Jimenez, Ancelotti is also reportedly looking at former Atletico Madrid prodigy Jesus Fortea, as a potential option from the youth team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
If none of these options works out, Real Madrid can always look towards the market, with Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as a top target at right-back.
Although the Spanish champions were initially planning to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer next summer, Carvajal’s injury has reportedly forced them to look for a January move.
In fact, it might not be a bad idea for Real Madrid to sign the Englishman in January by offering Liverpool some compensation.
Regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe, Alexander-Arnold could bring instant quality to the Madrid backline while also serving as a long-term replacement for Carvajal, who is already in the final phase of his career.
Real Madrid will be eager to move to the top of the La Liga standings as they get set to take on Real Betis in a Matchday 4 fixture in La Liga tonight.
Under new manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues have made a strong start to the season, winning three in three, with their latest match ending in a 4-0 triumph against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The fact that superstars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. have made strong starts to the season, while new signings Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate have also made positive impact bodes well for Los Blancos.
The aim will be to secure their fourth victory in a row and continue building the momentum especially with the UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan coming up next.
Going into the game, though, Real Madrid will once again be without as many as seven players as Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes, Thiago Pitarch, and Raul Asencio remain unavailable.
New teenage signing Sergio Martinez has been named in the squad and could be in line for his debut at Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.
Having made some rotations to the starting XI last time out against Malaga, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team up tonight.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is a confirmed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will be looking for his second clean sheet of the new campaign.
As for the defensive line, there is likely to be only one change with Ibrahima Konate coming back into the team in place of Antonio Rudiger, who made his first start of the season vs Malaga.
Dean Huijsen has been a constant fixture at the heart of the defence so far and that is unlikely to change.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold appears set to retain his place after an impressive display in his first start of the season last weekend. It means, new signing Denzel Dumfries will remain on the bench. Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, should start again on the left side.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva was one of the players that Mourinho rotated against Malaga, and is expected to return to the lineup tonight against Real Betis.
The Portuguese international has done fairly well in his new role as part of the double pivot alongside Federico Valverde, who will retain his place in the team.
It would mean Eduardo Camavinga misses out after having a decent game on his first start of the season last weekend.
Jude Bellingham has been in spectacular form since the start of the season, already racking up two goals and two assists from three games. Back in his preferred role as an attacking midfielder, he will start there again tonight.
Attack
Moving into the attacking unit, Mourinho is expected to make one key change as Arda Guler should replace Brahim Diaz on the right flank after scoring Real Madrid’s fourth goal against Malaga coming on as a substitute.
What it also means is that blockbuster summer signing Yan Diomande will have to wait for his first start for Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe has already scored four goals in three games, making a blistering start to the season and will be aiming to build on that as he chases a hat-trick of Pichichi Trophies.
Rounding off the attacking trident will be superstar Vinicius Jr., who will also be hoping to get among the goals.
