How injuries are derailing Real Madrid: The stats you need to know | OneFootball

Real Madrid are far from meeting the high expectations that fans had for this season. With a squad full of star players, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, the team was expected to perform at the top of their game.

However, the reality is that Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been underwhelming, and their performance has not lived up to the standards set by the club.

One of the key factors contributing to Real Madrid’s struggles this season has been the long list of injuries they have faced. While injuries are part of the game, the sheer number of players sidelined has had a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.

Concerning stats

To put things in perspective, since the start of the season, Real Madrid have already experienced 22 injuries, which is a concerning statistic for any club.

Real Madrid have suffered 22 injuries this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Some of these injuries have been minor, and in a few cases, players did not even miss a game. However, the ongoing issue of injuries cannot be ignored.

The first casualty was Eduardo Camavinga, who went down just before the European Super Cup match against Atalanta.

Since then, it has been a constant battle with injuries. In total, 16 players have been affected, and some have suffered injuries multiple times.

Eder Militao, in particular, has been plagued by injuries. The Brazilian centre-back has already been sidelined three times this season, and his situation took a serious turn with a major knee injury that will keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

Alongside Militao, other players like Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Rodrygo have also been injured multiple times, further deepening the team’s injury crisis.

There is a pattern

Knee and muscle injuries are common in Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A significant concern has been the recurring muscular injuries that have been affecting players across the squad. These injuries have led to increased scrutiny of Antonio Pintus, the club’s physical trainer, who has been regarded as an expert in the field for many years.

Pintus is now facing questions about whether his training methods are contributing to the high number of injuries the team has experienced this season.

The situation has been further complicated by a string of serious knee injuries. With Militao and Carvajal both suffering significant knee injuries, Real Madrid are likely to lose two of their most reliable defenders for the entire season.

The nature of these injuries, especially for Carvajal, who is getting older, makes it even more unlikely that they will return to their peak form. This season alone, the club has dealt with 10 ACL injuries, which have affected not only the first team but also the women’s and youth teams.

More questions than answers

One of the most troubling injury cases for Real Madrid has been David Alaba’s. The Austrian centre-back has been sidelined for nearly a year, and it is uncertain when he will return to the pitch.

No one knows when David Alaba will return. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

While there has been some positive news about his recovery, as he has begun working with the ball in training, it is expected that he won’t be back in action until 2025. Even when he does return, it remains to be seen how fit he will be and whether he can return to his previous level of performance.

With key players like Militao and Carvajal out for the season, and others like Tchouameni and Vazquez still recovering, Real Madrid’s defensive options are stretched thin.

The club decided not to make any moves in the winter transfer market, which means they will have to rely on the current squad to get through this difficult period.

Meanwhile, the team will also have to wait until mid-December to see the return of Rodrygo, while Courtois is expected to be back sooner, potentially for the next match.

While Courtois’ return will be a boost, the overall situation in terms of injuries leaves Real Madrid with a serious challenge to face in the coming months.

The lack of a fully fit squad is something the club will have to address if they want to get back on track and meet the high expectations that were set at the start of the season.