Two Real Madrid academy talents Alonso could all upon amid injury crisis in key position | OneFootball

It has been a difficult period for Real Madrid in recent weeks, with results on the field not always going their way while injuries continue to hamper Xabi Alonso & co.

The latest casualty for Los Blancos were starting right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom suffered injuries against Athletic Club earlier this week.

While Camavinga’s issue is not serious, Trent is set to be out for a period of two months at least with his thigh injury.

This leaves Alonso without a recognised right-back in the first-team setup, with Dani Carvajal also injured and unlikely to return until January.

A new signing has been ruled out, leaving the manager with Federico Valverde and Raul Asencio as makeshift options. However, Alonso could turn to the reserve team for solutions.

David Jimenez and Jesus Fortea – options for Alonso

Indeed, according to AS, Alonso could turn to Real Madrid Castilla right-backs David Jimenez and Jesus Fortea to address the ongoing injury crisis in the first-team setup.

Jimenez, 21, happens to the current first-choice starter at right-back for Alvaro Arbeloa’s Castilla. The young right-back, who has had an impressive year, has fully earned the reserve team manager’s trust and is ahead of Fortea at the moment.

So far this season, Jimenez has provided three assists and, in the recent league match against Barakaldo, he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

Jesus Fortea (R) is an option for Alonso. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

Alonso already has the youngster on his radars, having called him up to the squad for Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Kairat Almaty, as well as La Liga matches against Levante and Espanyol.

The second option happens to be Fortea, one of the most highly-rated young talents coming through the ranks. Signed from Atletico Madrid’s youth academy in 2022, he has progressed quickly and is now a part of the reserves.

Last year, despite there being some issues, Real Madrid showed belief in his development and extended his contract until 2029. Just 18 years old, he is considered an an important long term bet by the club.

While he could be an option for Alonso, Fortea’s chances are currently lower than Jimenez’s because he has just returned from an ankle sprain that kept him out for about a month.