Real Madrid facing major crisis at key position ahead of Jose Mourinho era | OneFootball

Real Madrid may have strengthened their options at left-back over the last year, but the situation has developed into one of the club’s biggest concerns heading into next season.

With the expected arrival of Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid are preparing for major changes across the squad. 

However, one area that remains far from solved is the left side of the defence, where uncertainty, injuries, and inconsistent performances are creating a complicated scenario.

The club currently finds itself with three recognised left-backs competing for one place, namely Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and Ferland Mendy.

On paper, the depth appears strong. In reality, though, each player arrives with major doubts surrounding his future and long-term role inside the squad.

Struggling to solve left-back uncertainty

When fully fit, there is little debate about who remains the most reliable option, as Mendy has consistently shown he is still the strongest defensive left-back available to the club.

Ferland Mendy is once again injured. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The problem, however, for Real Madrid is availability. The French defender has once again endured a frustrating season filled with physical setbacks. 

Injuries restricted him to only nine appearances across all competitions, with just 453 total minutes played during the campaign.

At one stage, Mendy’s future at the club looked increasingly uncertain. However, a fresh injury that is expected to sideline him for between four and five months has complicated any possibility of an exit this summer.

Meanwhile, Fran Garcia started the season lower in the pecking order. Yet injuries and inconsistent displays from others eventually opened the door for him to receive important opportunities.

He ended up starting 14 matches and generally performed reliably when called upon.

Fran Garcia is seen as a squad player. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Despite that, Real Madrid still view him more as a squad player rather than a long-term elite starter. 

Pinning hopes on Carreras

Perhaps the most worrying situation surrounds Alvaro Carreras, as Real Madrid invested €50 million with the belief that he could become the club’s long-term solution at left-back.

Instead, the 23-year-old struggled to establish himself consistently. 

In fact, both Mendy and Fran Garcia managed to move ahead of him in the rotation at different stages of the season, creating growing concern around his development.

Right now, the club is not considering selling Carreras, but they are indeed looking to add a new player in that position.