Real Madrid find themselves in a tricky situation following Dani Carvajal’s injury, as according to Mario Cortegana’s report in The Athletic, the club is not looking to make any immediate signings.
In fact, there are strong doubts about bringing in reinforcements during the January transfer window. This stance comes despite manager Carlo Ancelotti’s belief that the team needs additional support, particularly in defence.
The need for reinforcements became more evident after Carvajal suffered a devastating knee injury during Real Madrid’s recent victory against Villarreal.
The right-back has torn his anterior cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament, and popliteus tendon, leaving him sidelined for at least eight months. His absence is a significant blow, and he is expected to undergo surgery once the swelling in his knee has gone down.
Options within the team
In Carvajal’s absence, the club has reportedly considered relying on Lucas Vazquez. Although Vazquez has not been a regular starter in recent seasons, this injury crisis might give him a chance to step up.
However, another possible option, Eder Militao, is also dealing with an injury, reducing the team’s defensive depth even further.
There has been some discussion about utilising Federico Valverde as a makeshift full-back. However, such a move would take away one of the team’s most consistent performers in midfield, especially after the retirement of Toni Kroos.
Valverde’s influence in the centre of the pitch has been vital, and shifting him to defence would leave a gap in midfield that could be hard to fill.
It appears that Real Madrid’s youth system does not have a player ready to step into the first-team defence either.
What next for Real Madrid?
Ancelotti and his coaching staff are aware of the challenges they face, but sources within the club have confirmed that there are no immediate plans to sign a replacement.
For now, Real Madrid do not see any appealing options in the free-agent market and are unlikely to make any sudden moves during the January transfer window.
The club generally prefers to avoid mid-season signings, opting instead to wait for better deals during the summer.
However, while they may not be active in the market at present, they continue to study available options in case the situation changes. The possibility of making a move later in the season remains, but for now, Real Madrid are holding firm.