Real Madrid’s humiliating 5–2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday has been compounded by fresh injury concerns, leaving Xabi Alonso facing the possibility of another defensive crisis at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal both limped off during the derby, casting doubt over their availability in the coming weeks.
Militao appeared to suffer an ankle problem while making a desperate challenge on Alexander Sorloth, forcing Alonso to replace him at halftime with Raul Asencio. Carvajal was withdrawn on the hour mark after discomfort in his right leg, leaving midfielder Eduardo Camavinga to slot in at right back.
The timing could hardly be worse as Real Madrid are already without Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy, and further absences would strip Alonso of both a natural right back and experienced center-back options.
Guillermo Rai of The Athletic reports that the club’s medical staff will assess Militao and Carvajal in the coming days, though early indications suggest Real face the prospect of entering another period plagued by defensive instability.
Madrid’s lack of depth was exposed brutally in the derby. Experienced Austrian defender David Alaba has featured for just 10 minutes this season, while summer arrival Dean Huijsen remains inexperienced at the highest level.
Should Militao and Carvajal join the injury list, Alonso could be left relying once again on makeshift solutions. Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, who were deployed in defense for much of last season, may be forced back into defensive roles.
With confidence already shaken by Atletico’s five-goal rout, the uncertainty over key defenders does little to help Madrid’s current situation. Alonso must now find a way to stabilize his squad quickly, or risk seeing his side’s season unravel before it has truly begun.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
