Real Madrid’s defensive lineup crumbles under an unprecedented injury wave, jeopardising their championship ambitions with just five crucial matches remaining. David Alaba and Ferland Mendy have joined the growing list of sidelined defenders, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for solutions during the season’s most critical phase.
Key Defenders Sidelined After Cup Final
Madrid’s defensive troubles intensified following their Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona. Mendy exited after merely 11 minutes of play, subsequently diagnosed with a tear in his right quadriceps tendon. Medical reports confirm the 29-year-old French defender won’t return this season, with rehabilitation now focused on preparing him for the 2025-26 campaign.
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Alaba’s situation proves equally concerning despite not participating in the final. The Austrian international has suffered a tear in his left knee’s internal meniscus—a devastating setback considering he had only recently returned to action in February after a year-long absence due to knee problems. Having managed just seven starts since his comeback, the 32-year-old now faces another extended recovery period.
The injury list grows longer with Antonio Rudiger’s recent knee surgery, sidelining him for approximately two months. Rudiger was already unavailable for domestic matches due to a six-game suspension from the RFEF following his red card during the cup final defeat.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Puzzle
For Los Blancos, currently trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga, the timing couldn’t be worse. The defensive roster has been stripped bare with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, and Alaba all unavailable.
Further complicating matters, Lucas Vazquez will miss upcoming fixtures through suspension after being dismissed for dissent in the cup final. This forced absence likely shifts Federico Valverde to right-back duties, while midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni may continue serving as an emergency centre-back alongside Castilla graduate Raul Asencio. Fran Garcia stands as the only natural left-back option remaining.
The scarcity of defenders may even necessitate the inclusion of Jesus Vallejo, who rarely sees first-team action, to help shore up the depleted backline.
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Club World Cup Preparations
Madrid’s medical staff works tirelessly to rehabilitate both Alaba and Rudiger before the Club World Cup, scheduled to begin for the team on June 18 against Al Hilal. Mendy’s injury, however, appears beyond short-term recovery, with efforts now focused on next season.
Eduardo Camavinga, absent from the Copa del Rey final, continues his own recovery, further restricting Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility throughout the squad.
This defensive crisis culminates at a pivotal moment with Madrid preparing for a potentially title-deciding El Clasico at Montjuic on May 11. While Barcelona juggles Champions League commitments against Inter Milan immediately before this crucial encounter, Madrid’s improvised defence might ultimately prove too significant a disadvantage.
As the team prepares to host Celta Vigo this Sunday, Ancelotti confronts perhaps his most daunting challenge—maintaining championship aspirations with what essentially amounts to a hastily assembled defensive unit during these final, decisive fixtures.
