Blow for Real Madrid as another key defender likely to miss Alaves clash – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are facing yet another alarming injury crisis, with concern now growing around Antonio  Rudiger after COPE reported that the German defender is experiencing discomfort and is a serious doubt for the upcoming clash against Alaves. 

For Xabi Alonso, the timing could not be worse, as the squad is already stretched thin, and the possibility of losing one of the team’s most reliable centre-backs has raised real fears about how Madrid will assemble a functioning defensive line.

As things stand, Los Blancos are preparing to enter the match with a severely depleted squad. 

Major problem for Xabi Alonso

As such, Alonso could be without as many as 11 players, and the number could rise further depending on developments 

To begin with, the suspensions alone present an immediate setback, as Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia and Endrick are all ruled out and unavailable for selection.

The injury list is even more worrying. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold are already confirmed absentees. 

Antonio Rudiger could be out of the Alaves clash. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

On top of that, there are fresh doubts over Kylian Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba and Dean Huijsen – all of whom are carrying knocks and remain uncertain for the Alavés encounter.

If Huijsen fail to recover in time, Real Madrid will be left with only two available defenders, namely, Raul Asencio and Antonio  Rudiger. 

But with the latest update suggesting Rudiger himself is now struggling with discomfort, Alonso is suddenly staring at the possibility of entering a La Liga fixture with one fit centre-back.

There is some good news

There is, however, a small glimmer of hope, as Huijsen has returned to training, offering a potential late boost to the backline. 

Still, the real question is how match-fit the young Spaniard is and whether he can realistically be thrown into a competitive fixture under such intense pressure.

For Real Madrid, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. With a packed calendar and season-defining matches ahead, Alonso’s squad depth is being tested to its absolute limit.