As the official medical report on Vinicius Jr.’s injury is awaited, indicating a potential absence of over a month, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is orchestrating an array of strategic alternatives to navigate the potential challenges posed by the Brazilian’s absence.

Real Madrid’s kismet with injuries this season has been extremely heart-wrenching, to say the very least. The team is already lining up without the services of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, and Vinicius’s absence is only going to hurt them further.

Ancelotti contemplating options

Evident from the recent encounter against Celta, where Vinicius prematurely departed the field, Ancelotti has a plethora of tactical permutations at his disposal, reports Mundo Deportivo. 

The foremost among them involves reverting to a 4-3-3 formation, substituting Vinicius with Rodrygo, Federico Valverde slotting into the right flank, and Joselu spearheading the attack. 

This adjustment necessitates Jude Bellingham’s retreat into a deeper midfield role, ensuring an unbroken focus on penetrating the opponent’s defensive line.

What are the other options?

An alternative scheme entails adopting the 4-2-3-1 setup, a configuration familiar from Ancelotti’s previous season.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga would anchor the midfield as a double pivot, with Toni Kroos as backup. Valverde and Rodrygo would line up out wide again while Bellingham would continue in the No. 10 role.

Joselu’s role would be solitary up front. This preserves Bellingham’s role in the advanced position, allowing Los Blancos to continue capitalising on his attacking qualities.

There’s one remote option

Another option would be that Ancelotti adheres to the existing 4-4-2 diamond formation, deploying Rodrygo and Joselu as the attacking duo, with Bellingham positioned at the apex of a diamond midfield. 

Yet, the possibility of implementing this approach appears remote due to the introduction of a traditional striker in the setup.

This could only be realized through the inclusion of Brahim Diaz, partnering Rodrygo in the frontline. Nonetheless, this option remains unlikely due to Ancelotti’s limited reliance on Diaz in the ongoing league campaign.

As Real Madrid ready themselves to navigate the tactical challenges posed by Vinicius’ potential absence, Ancelotti’s strategic acumen will be put to the test. 

The upcoming showdown against Getafe will provide the first glimpse into Ancelotti’s selection as the team looks to overcome this hurdle and continue their victorious start to the season.