The ongoing international break has not been pleasant for Real Madrid by any measure. Players have fallen prey to injury at the drop of the hat with three players even leaving their national team camps to return to Madrid.
The most worrying development, however, was the injury to Eder Militao since Los Blancos have barely any depth in the centre-back position.
With David Alaba ruled out due to an ACL injury, Antonio Rudiger and Militao are after all the only available senior defenders Carlo Ancelotti counts on.
Out for ten days
According to MARCA, the tests carried out by Real Madrid’s medical staff reveal a muscle injury to the anterior rectum of Militao’s right leg owing to overload.
As it stands, the defender is expected to be absent for ten days and his recovery will dictate his return. Ancelotti will thus be without Militao’s services for under two weeks.
The Spanish outlet further adds that the Brazilian’s target is to return to the field in time for Real Madrid’s clash against Deportivo Alaves on match day 7.
He will thus likely miss the team’s games against Real Sociedad and Espanyol in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League opener against Stuttgart.
The backup plan
With Militao set to miss just three games, Carlo Ancelotti can breathe a sigh of relief. However, the onus will be on him to fill the void in defence until Militao returns.
As it stands, all signs point to Jesus Vallejo joining Antonio Rudiger in defence against Real Sociedad next weekend.
Granted an unexpected chance, the Spaniard will look to push forth his case for a regular role.
Talks of Dani Carvajal joining central defence have also gained weight in recent hours.
Aurelien Tchouameni, meanwhile, is expected to return in time for the game at San Sebastian.
The Frenchman too can serve as a makeshift centre-back although the team also does not have any backup pivot fit to take his place.
