Los Blancos Injury Crisis: Red Alert
Los Blancos are in the midst of a worrying injury crisis that threatens to undermine Real Madrid’s ambitions this season. Multiple first-team players are sidelined at the same time, placing pressure on Xabi Alonso to find solutions and maintain stability during a demanding stretch of the campaign. Many fans may have ideas of what solutions can be to fill the gaps while players recover. Yet ultimately, it will be up to Xabi Alonso to come up with a starting 11 for every match that is competitive and can match the standard of Los Blancos.
One major concern is Dani Carvajal. The veteran right back is out after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to remove loose material. Earlier in the season, he also suffered a calf issue that delayed his return to full fitness. With his timeline stretching further than initially expected, Madrid once again finds itself without one of their most experienced defenders. In central defense, Dean Huijsen has picked up a muscle injury in the soleus of his left calf. Early assessments indicated a short absence, but calf injuries can be unpredictable. Even minor setbacks leave Madrid thin at the back, especially when rotations are essential for maintaining form across multiple competitions.
The midfield has also been hit hard. Franco Mastantuono is sidelined with pubalgia, a chronic groin condition that often requires a cautious and prolonged recovery. This is because the club has not offered a fixed return date, and uncertainty surrounds how quickly he can be reintegrated. Xabi Alonso can maybe look to the young, hungry, and underutilized Endrick to fill in the right wing for Mastantuono, as his pace and physicality may be something that can bring success before Endrick goes out on his rumored loan. Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos is also unavailable after suffering a semimembranosus muscle injury in his left leg that could keep him out for roughly two months. However, Ceballos is not always a guaranteed starter; his absence limits options during periods when the squad already lacks depth.
Adding to the concern is Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper has been diagnosed with a long adductor issue in his right leg. Although the estimated recovery time is relatively short, Madrid is expected to be cautious given his importance and recent injury history. Real Madrid’s second-string keeper Andriy Lunin is still a younger keeper, but talented, and can be promising. Any time without their first-choice keeper is still concerning, particularly with crucial fixtures on the horizon. With so many absences, what can Real Madrid do to navigate this difficult stretch?
The medical staff must manage each case conservatively. Injuries like pubalgia require careful treatment that blends physiotherapy, rest, and core strengthening. Players returning from muscle injuries should be eased back through phased training loads and restricted minutes to avoid setbacks. Squad depth becomes crucial during crises like this. Youth players and rotation options will need to carry more responsibility. Xabi Alonso may have to trust academy talents or reposition versatile players to fill gaps temporarily. Tactical adjustments may also be necessary. With defenders unavailable, a formation that prioritizes midfield control can reduce pressure on the back line. Alonso might opt for a more compact structure that limits transitions and protects the defensive third. Real Madrid is facing a difficult moment, but with careful management, smart rotation, and tactical flexibility, the club can navigate the crisis. The coming weeks will test the squad’s depth and resilience, but Los Blancos still have a path forward if they handle the situation wisely.
