Real Madrid face defensive crisis with just one fit centre-back for Villarreal

Real Madrid are facing an unprecedented defensive shortage before their return to La Liga, with Antonio Rudiger currently the only fully fit centre-back available for their meeting with Villarreal on 10 October.

The match at Santiago Bernabeu will be Real Madrid’s first since the international break, but it arrives at a difficult time for Jose Mourinho, whose defensive options have been reduced to a minimum.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s problems are concentrated in the centre-back position, where several absences have left the coaching staff considering emergency solutions.

Raul Asensio will definitely miss the match after it was confirmed that he will undergo surgery on his shin bone tomorrow. Dean Huijsen is also unavailable as he serves a suspension following his red card in the most recent derby.

There is also uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate, who is still recovering from an injury sustained while on international duty with France. His fitness in time for the Villarreal game has not yet been established.

Eder Militao has returned to team training, but his involvement remains a major doubt. The Brazil defender has not played an official match since April, and rushing him back could carry a significant risk of another setback.

Rudiger the only reliable option

In the current situation, Rudiger is the only centre-back regarded as genuinely ready to face Villarreal. However, the Germany international is not currently considered a first-choice player and is himself being managed carefully by the medical staff because of a longstanding knee problem.

With several days still remaining before the fixture, Mourinho must decide whether to take a risk with Konate or Militao, despite both only recently returning from injury. Using either player could expose them to a recurrence of their problems.

Real Madrid are therefore considering a number of makeshift alternatives. One possibility is to move Aurelien Tchouameni back into central defence, a role he previously filled under Carlo Ancelotti.

The club could also use players in unfamiliar positions, including Carreras or Denzel Dumfries, although deploying either in the centre of defence would represent a significant tactical adjustment.

Turning to the youth academy is another potential option, but it is not viewed as the ideal answer to a crisis of this scale. Real Madrid are preparing to face a strong Villarreal side in a match where even a single defensive mistake could prove costly.