Real Madrid’s likely centre-back partnership vs Real Sociedad amid injury crisis – report | OneFootball

Once the international break is over, Real Madrid are slated to resume their campaign on September 14, as they take on Real Sociedad at the Anoeta.

One would expect Los Blancos to head into this game full of confidence, especially after an impressive win over Real Betis.

However, confidence in the Real Madrid camp has taken a massive hit recently, due to a series of injuries during the international break.

In the past week or so, Real Madrid have lost Dani Ceballos and Eder Militao through injuries, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy had to return after picking up knocks.

Militao’s injury, in particular, is going to hurt Real Madrid, especially with David Alaba also nursing from the injury.

Which defenders are going to start vs Sociedad?

Keeping Real Madrid’s delicate injury situation in mind, coach Carlo Ancelotti looks all set to deploy Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as the centre-back pairing against Sociedad.

Vallejo could be set for a rare opportunity vs Sociedad (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

This is according to Diario AS, which confirms that Ancelotti has no other alternatives available in the central defensive unit.

Jacobo Ramon has shown immense potential, but the young defender might not be available for this clash due to discomfort while Militao and Alaba, as discussed earlier, are injured.

This leaves Vallejo as the only available alternative in the position, especially with Tchouameni also a doubt heading into the Sociedad encounter.

Ancelotti does have an alternative available from the youth team in the form of Raul Asencio, but it is unlikely he will be chosen over Vallejo in the pecking order.

Interestingly, a start against Sociedad could mark Vallejo’s return to the pitch after 531 days. The defender last played for Real Madrid back on April 2, 2023, when he appeared in a 6-0 win over Real Valladolid.