Madrid’s defensive woes move from bad to worse as Alaba and Rudiger join injury list

It has been a strong start to the season for Real Madrid, although Sunday’s Madrid derby defeat was a major disappointment. However, it has still been impressive going for Los Blancos, especially when you consider their injury issues.

Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are both out for several months after suffering ACL injuries at the start of the season, while Arda Guler has yet to make his debut for the club after dealing with back-to-back muscle issues.

Vinicius Junior has also been absent since matchday three, although he is back on the bench for Wednesday’s match against Las Palmas. Unfortunately for Real Madrid, Vinicius’ return has coincided with another injury issue.

David Alaba had to be substituted in the first half of the match, having dropped to the pitch with no one near him, which would suggest that it was a non-contact injury, which Real Madrid will be gutted about.

Further tests will be done to determine the severity of the issue, but it leaves Real Madrid with only Nacho Fernandez.

Carlo Ancelotti confirms that his defensive options are weakened for this weekend’s trip to Girona.

“David Alaba will not play against Girona. Rudiger has suffered a knock.”

Alaba had to be substituted in the first half, and the Austrian defender has reportedly suffered an adductor injury. Rudiger looks

less serious, which is good news, but Real Madrid now only has one fully fit senior center-back, that being Nacho Fernandez.

This could cause Real Madrid problems in the coming weeks, and especially against table-topping Girona, whom they face in Catalonia this coming weekend.