Arbeloa faces major headache as Real Madrid prepare for Villarreal clash | OneFootball

The defensive situation at Real Madrid continues to cause concern ahead of the trip to Villarreal, despite some cautiously positive news emerging from Valdebebas. 

While there is optimism that Raul Asencio will be available for selection after being substituted at half-time in the Champions League win over Monaco due to a shin injury, the broader picture at centre-back remains troubling.

Defensive instability has been a recurring theme for Real Madrid for many seasons, and it is now a problem inherited by Alvaro Arbeloa. 

The coach may once again be forced to improvise at La Ceramica, with several key defenders either unavailable or far from full fitness. 

Even if Asencio does feature, he would likely do so while still hampered, while Antonio Rudiger remains out of full training and is being managed carefully by the medical staff.

No shortage of problems

The situation is further complicated by the absence of Aurelien Tchouaméni, who is suspended and therefore not an option for a defensive reshuffle. 

Looking deeper into the squad, the list of defensive issues continues to grow. Eder Militao remains sidelined until at least March, while David Alaba is still operating under limitations following his serious knee injury. 

Eder Militao is out until March. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Rudiger’s workload is being controlled, and Asencio’s tibia problem only adds to the uncertainty. As things stand, only Dean Huijsen arrives at the match in peak physical condition.

Even Huijsen’s availability has not come without concern. The defender recently overcame a lengthy spell of muscle problems that kept him out for close to a month. 

Affecting other areas

This defensive imbalance threatens to affect the overall structure of the team against Villarreal. 

Federico Valverde is already operating out of position, and if doubts remain over Asencio’s fitness, Arbeloa may be forced to turn to Alvaro Carreras as an emergency centre-back.

Such a move would create a knock-on effect elsewhere. Deploying Carreras centrally would leave a gap at left-back, and while Fran Garcia is available, Eduardo Camavinga could once again be asked to change roles. 

That scenario would weaken the midfield further, stretching an already fragile balance as Real Madrid head into a demanding away fixture.