Real Madrid midfielder could be forced to play in makeshift role vs Getafe after latest injury blow | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been dealt with yet another blow this week as Dean Huijsen has picked up a muscle injury that will rule him out of the upcoming Getafe match and potentially leave him doubtful for Juve clash.

Huijsen joins a long list of Real Madrid players who are injured at the moment, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy.

Huijsen’s injury may have serious implications for coach Xabi Alonso, who may no option but to make one critical change in defence.

Federico Valverde to return to right-back duties?

As reported by AS, there is a strong possibility Federico Valverde will have to operate at right-back once again, in light of Real Madrid’s injury woes.

With Trent, Carvajal injured, Real Madrid already didn’t have any right-back in the team. But now with Huijsen injured, Alonso will be forced to play Raul Asencio at centre-back, thus leaving him with absolutely no option at right-back apart from Valverde.

Federico Valverde will have to operate at right-back once again. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Uruguayan international has played in this position many times in the past. But he has recently admitted that he dreads the role and prefers operating in his usual midfield position.

Will Alonso employ a plan B?

There is, however, a way in which Alonso could retain Valverde in midfield. For that, he has to deploy Garcia in the left-sided centre-back role, with Fran Garcia operating as a left-back instead.

This way, Raul Asencio can continue at right-back, meaning Valverde doesn’t have to operate in that position.

This is a setup that has barely been tested, but it could free the Uruguayan of his right-back duties.

Xabi, though, is unlikely to take any risks and could deploy Valverde at right-back against Getafe, considering the fact that the midfielder, despite his dislike for the role, never disappoints.