Real Madrid facing unexpected crisis at crucial position ahead of Elche clash | OneFootball

Just like in previous seasons, Real Madrid are once again dealing with a serious injury crisis at a crucial stage of the campaign. 

As the team prepares for an important La Liga fixture against Elche, the squad is heavily depleted.

Real Madrid could be without as many as nine players due to a mix of injuries and suspensions. 

This situation has left the coaching staff with limited options in several areas of the pitch, but one position that has been particularly affected is the left-back role.

A role of concern

Alvaro Arbeloa normally has three players who can operate on the left side of defence. 

These include Ferland Mendy, Alvaro Carreras, and Fran Garcia. However, heading into the Elche match, the reality is that none of them are arriving in ideal conditions.

The biggest concern once again surrounds Mendy. The French defender has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past few seasons, and his reliability has often been questioned.

Unfortunately for Real Madrid, the situation has repeated itself. Mendy is currently back on the treatment table after suffering his third injury of the season, which means he will not be able to help the team during this important period.

Then there’s Carreras

The second issue involves Carreras. He was playing regularly and gaining confidence before suffering an injury during the match against Getafe.

Fran Garcia is the only fit left-back. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Because of that setback, he will also miss the upcoming league match against Elche. 

Although the club remains optimistic about his recovery, there is hope that he might return in time for a European fixture.

However, doing so would likely mean accelerating his recovery timeline, something the coaching staff will need to manage carefully.

With both Mendy and Carreras injured and unavailable, the spotlight now falls on Fran Garcia.

Not the first option

Ironically, Garcia is currently the only fully fit left-back available in the first-team squad. 

Despite being healthy, though, he has had limited opportunities since Arbeloa took charge, often playing a secondary role within the squad.

Now, circumstances have completely changed his situation.

With injuries leaving Real Madrid short of defensive options, Garcia is suddenly expected to take on a far more important role. 

What once looked like a position with several options has quickly turned into a major concern for the team.