Top three defensive partners for Raul Asencio at Real Madrid against Olympiacos amid injury woes
Real Madrid is facing a challenging situation as they prepare for their UEFA Champions League match against Olympiacos in Athens. With several key defenders injured, the team is down to only one center-back, Raul Asencio.
Defensive Challenges Ahead of Olympiacos Match
Injuries have heavily impacted Real Madrid’s defensive lineup. Dean Huijsen, who has been struggling with knee discomfort since the weekend’s match against Elche, will not be playing. Antonio Rudiger, despite training with the squad, has also been omitted, with the intention of preparing him for an upcoming Sunday match. Eder Militao is unavailable due to a recent injury sustained while playing for Brazil, and David Alaba is sidelined with an overload injury.
The limitations mean that Real Madrid has only five defenders available for the game:
- Fran Garcia
- Alvaro Carreras
- Raul Asencio
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Ferland Mendy
Potential Defensive Strategies by Xabi Alonso
Manager Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of creating an effective defensive setup with these limited resources. The most likely option is to field midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Raul Asencio in central defense. Tchouameni recently returned from an injury but has experience playing as a center-back under previous management.
If Tchouameni cannot play, Alonso might opt for Alvaro Carreras in the central role. Carreras has demonstrated versatility this season, having filled in at center-back before. In this scenario, the full-back positions could be filled by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia.
Another less probable alternative would be to deploy Ferland Mendy, making his season debut as a center-back. Mendy has been out for over six months due to an injury sustained during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Although he participated as a central defender in a training match, his lack of competitive play may hinder his effectiveness.
As the match approaches, Real Madrid’s defensive strategy will be crucial. The success or failure against Olympiacos could hinge on how effectively they adapt to these unexpected challenges.
