Real Madrid turn to Oscar Nasi as defensive injuries threaten Villarreal game

Real Madrid have called up Ghanaian defender Oscar Nasi from Castilla to help address their defensive shortage before Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu.

Nasi took part in the first team’s training session on Tuesday, led by head coach Jose Mourinho. The 21-year-old is now a potential inclusion in the squad for the weekend fixture as Mourinho assesses his options at the back.

Real Madrid’s defensive problems have been compounded by Dean Huijsen’s suspension, while Asensio is injured and Ibrahima Konate is dealing with a knock. Eder Militao, meanwhile, continues his recovery from injury.

The situation has prompted Mourinho to look for reinforcements from Castilla. Alongside Nasi, Mario Rivas and Juan Martinez are also being considered as possible solutions, while Aurelien Tchouameni is again being assessed as a defensive option at Valdebebas. Antonio Rudiger is also expected to be part of the plans for the Villarreal match.

Nasi joined Castilla from Granada during the summer and has made a strong impression since arriving. He has played in all six of the reserve side’s matches this season, starting five of them, and has become an important member of Julian Lopez de Lerma’s defence.

He was among Castilla’s standout performers in their match against Atletico Madrid at the Alfredo Di Stefano last Friday. Mourinho attended that game, giving the manager the opportunity to watch the defender closely.

Nasi also featured 37 times in the Segunda Division last season. According to Transfermarkt’s latest valuation, he is worth €2m, a figure higher than the transfer fee paid for him.

The defender is regarded as a promising prospect for the club, and involvement with the first team would represent the next stage of his development. He has trained with Mourinho’s senior squad before, but his latest appearance carries greater significance because of the current shortage of centre-backs.

With several experienced defenders unavailable or not fully fit, Nasi could now be in line for his first place in a Real Madrid matchday squad when Villarreal visit on Saturday.