Real Madrid News
Total chaos: Real Madrid will have only one centre-back available vs Liverpool
Real Madrid have suffered a serious blow with defender Eder Militao facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a major injury.
Militao sustained a complete tear of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, along with damage to both menisci. This injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season, a tough loss for Madrid, especially given their current defensive shortages.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Real Madrid as they are already struggling with limited options in defence.
David Alaba is still recovering and isn’t expected to return until at least January, while midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who can play a defensive role, is also out for a month.
This leaves Antonio Rudiger as the only fit centre-back for the time being, creating a challenging situation for Madrid, especially with their UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool fast approaching.
Real Madrid’s injury list has been mounting this season, with seven key players currently sidelined: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, Aurelien Tchouameni, Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo, and now Militao.
This spate of injuries has placed significant pressure on the remaining squad and has forced manager Carlo Ancelotti to consider alternative defensive solutions within the team.
Solutions for Real Madrid
One such solution could come in the form of 21-year-old centre-back Raul Asencio, who recently made his debut against Osasuna.
Asencio has been promoted to the first team on an indefinite basis and is expected to start alongside Rudiger in the centre-back position while Tchouameni remains out. His involvement could be critical for Madrid, as he gains valuable experience in a high-stakes season.
Another potential option is to move Ferland Mendy from his usual left-back role into the centre of defence. Although Mendy has primarily played as a left-back, his defensive capabilities might offer Madrid more stability in the centre-back role during this shortage.
However, he is still working to regain the high level of form he displayed in previous Champions League campaigns.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
