Five options for Ancelotti to replace Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury has put Real Madrid in a state of bother, with coach Carlo Ancelotti having limited options at the back.

Carvajal’s importance in the squad cannot be understated, which is why it will be imperative that the club find an ideal replacement for the veteran defender, who will be out for a year.

Keeping that in mind, Madrid Universal takes a look at all the options available to Ancelotti right now, as he desperately looks to find an alternative for the Spaniard.

Lucas Vazquez

Lucas Vazquez is the obvious alternative for Real Madrid following Carvajal’s injury. The veteran star has played the role with aplomb in the past, always stepping up to the plate whenever required.

Real Madrid, for their part, seem to retain ‘total confidence’ in Vazquez, whose experience of operating in the right-back position makes him the best-placed option to replace Carvajal.

Vazquez has previously filled this role effectively, notably starting in 34 of 35 matches during the 2020-21 season when Carvajal was out with an injury.

A similar opportunity has come up once again, though it remains to be seen whether an older Lucas can live up to the challenge.

Will Lucas Vazquez once again replace Carvajal? (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Eder Militao

Eder Militao is another alternative Ancelotti may consider, should he look beyond Vazquez in the team. Militao used to operate at right-back at times during his spell at FC Porto and Sao Paulo.

Although the Brazilian may not offer much going forward, his defensive solidity could prove to be handy for Real Madrid, especially in the absence of a seasoned pro such as Carvajal.

Deploying Militao, though, could leave Real Madrid vulnerable in central defence, as it would force Ancelotti to start with Aurelien Tchouameni at the heart of the backline, alongside Antonio Rudiger.

Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde is sort of a wildcard option for Ancelotti in his bid to find a replacement for Carvajal.

Although the Uruguayan has performed admirably in midfield, he is a versatile operator who can be deployed at right-back if required.

Valverde can offer zest going forward while his work ethic and defensive contribution could surprisingly make him a balanced alternative for Carvajal at right-back.

Many midfielders in Europe have flourished in a wider defensive role in the past and there is no reason why Valverde, too, can’t follow suit.

David Jimenez

Should Ancelotti look beyond the first-team for Carvajal alternatives, David Jimenez of RM Castilla could be an interesting option.

The 20-year-old has been a consistent performer for Raul’s team and has shown immense potential. He can, therefore, prove to be a handy option for Ancelotti.

Apart from Jimenez, Ancelotti is also reportedly looking at former Atletico Madrid prodigy Jesus Fortea, as a potential option from the youth team.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

If none of these options works out, Real Madrid can always look towards the market, with Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as a top target at right-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a hot topic at Real Madrid right now (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Although the Spanish champions were initially planning to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer next summer, Carvajal’s injury has reportedly forced them to look for a January move.

In fact, it might not be a bad idea for Real Madrid to sign the Englishman in January by offering Liverpool some compensation.

Regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe, Alexander-Arnold could bring instant quality to the Madrid backline while also serving as a long-term replacement for Carvajal, who is already in the final phase of his career.