Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, expressed his astonishment and concern over the alarming number of cruciate ligament injuries the team has faced in recent months. The latest addition to this growing list is David Alaba, who suffered a left knee injury during a match against Villarreal. Ancelotti lamented the unfortunate circumstances, stating that he has “never seen three cruciate ligament injuries in four months.” This unprecedented situation has pushed the club to consider recruiting a new defender during the January transfer window.
The news further worsened for Real Madrid when the club confirmed that David Alaba had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee. The Austrian defender is now set to undergo surgery in the coming days. Ancelotti expressed his regret over not being able to speak to Alaba about the incident personally, emphasizing the significance of the loss for the team.
Despite the string of injuries, Ancelotti commended the resilience and determination of his squad. He acknowledged that the team has exceeded expectations by fighting through the difficulties and maintaining an impressive performance level. The coach emphasized that the best way to overcome these challenges is to persevere and continue to showcase the team’s extraordinary commitment. Real Madrid has managed to replace key injured players through sheer determination, and Ancelotti believes this unwavering spirit will be crucial in the coming days.
The injury crisis at Real Madrid does not stop with Alaba. Ferland Mendy was also forced to leave the pitch at halftime due to muscular discomfort. Additionally, Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Vinícius Júnior are currently sidelined alongside Éder Militão and Thibaut Courtois. Ancelotti did provide hope by suggesting that Carvajal might be fit to play against Alavés on Thursday, as he is expected to resume training with the team soon. Despite the numerous setbacks, Ancelotti’s focus remains on finding solutions and making the best of the resources available.
In the absence of key defenders, Ancelotti is exploring unconventional options to strengthen the backline. The coach mentioned midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as a potential candidate to fill the role temporarily. Tchouaméni recently returned from a broken toe and showcased his versatility by playing as a substitute against Villarreal. Ancelotti acknowledged that this would not be Tchouaméni’s natural position but emphasized the importance of having an emergency solution. Additionally, the coach mentioned the possibility of Éder Militão returning from his ACL tear before the end of the season, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.
Teammate Lucas Vázquez highlighted the emotional toll the injuries have taken on the players, particularly Alaba. The extended periods of recovery and uncertainty surrounding the return to the field have been difficult for Alaba, who is known for his professionalism and dedication. The team rallied around Alaba, showing their solidarity and support during this trying time.
Amidst the injury concerns, Jude Bellingham’s performance deserves recognition. The young midfielder opened the scoring in the match against Villarreal, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s contribution and revealed that he had substituted him to prevent any potential issues related to his previous shoulder injury. The coach intends to manage Bellingham’s playing time strategically to minimize the risk of further injuries.
Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal propelled them to the top of LaLiga with 42 points, narrowly edging out Girona, who have 41 points as of now. Despite the injury setbacks, the team has demonstrated their strength and resilience by remaining competitive at the highest level.
Real Madrid finds themselves in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis. The loss of key players like David Alaba, coupled with the absence of other valuable assets, has created a challenging situation for Carlo Ancelotti and his team. However, the coach remains optimistic and determined to find solutions, even if they involve reshuffling the lineup and exploring unconventional options. The resilience and commitment displayed by Real Madrid have been commendable, as they battle against the odds to maintain their position at the top of LaLiga.