The next few games could have a major impact on the rest of the season for Real Madrid. Now, of all times, the Whites could lose a stable back four. They have taken that into account
Carlo Ancelotti has kept his word. The Real Madrid head coach had made it unmistakably clear that the Whites would not be bringing in a central defender on the winter transfer market. Although Eder Militao and David Alaba, the regular central defenders from the previous season, are out of action at the same time due to a cruciate ligament rupture. Despite the fact that Nacho has been rather erratic in recent weeks. Although the hot phase of the season is now slowly beginning. And lo and behold, no new central defender has arrived.
The Spanish record champions have gambled, relying on the limited personnel they have left in this part of the team. On the remaining Nacho and Antonio Rüdiger in central defense, and on the unavoidable substitutes Ferland Mendy and Aurelien Tchouameni (actually a regular six). But have Real Madrid gambled away a few weeks of truth?
The Whites currently have everything in their own hands, with their 2-0 win at Getafe on Thursday evening putting them back two points ahead of surprise team Girona at the top of the table. However, they may have paid dearly for this away win ahead of the league clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the top game against Girona (Saturday, February 10) and the first leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League at RB Leipzig (Tuesday, February 13).
Rüdiger, Real’s main defender this season, had to be substituted against Getafe with a knock. “He may be able to play against Atletico” – that was all Ancelotti dared to say after the game. He simply hoped because Rüdiger is a “warrior”.
Instead, the Italian had to confirm that stabilizer and substitute centre-back Tchouameni picked up a yellow card in the final minute – his fifth. Which means the Frenchman is guaranteed to miss the city duel
