Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has spent the season alternating between Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, with the two battling it out for the same spot. Los Blancos may be without both for their next European clash though.
Carvajal was forced to come on after just four minutes against Olympique Marseille on Tuesday night, after Alexander-Arnold went down with what appeared to be a hamstring injury early on. Real Madrid are still awaiting news on how serious his thigh injury is. However after 72 minutes, Carvajal was sent off for a headbutt on Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Dani Carvajal’s suspension in the Champions League
The 33-year-old captain is now facing a suspension, which follwoing a direct red card will likely be at least two games for unsporting conduct, as per MD. UEFA could also hand out a three-game ban were that the case, depending on how they view the severity of the incident. However if referee Irfan Peljto considered it an act of aggression, then it could be three games or more. With no knowledge of the severity of Alexander-Arnold’s injury, Alonso could be left without a natural alternative.
Real Madrid’s European fixtures
It seems likely that Los Blancos would be improvising for their next European clash with Kazakh side Kairat Almaty on the 30th of September. Carvajal is also likely to miss their clash with Juventus at home on the 22nd of October, by which point they will hope to have Alexander-Arnold back in action. In the worst-case scenario, Carvajal could also miss their trip to Olympiakos on the 26th of November. Their final Champions League clash comes on the 10th of December against Manchester City.
Alternatives for Alonso
Alonso commented to the media after their win over Marseille that Alexander-Arnold’s injury is not as bad as first feared, while Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham would be ready for action this weekend. He also hinted that Carvajal could be chastised for his loss of temper.
Fede Valverde commented after the match that he was keen to continuing playing in midfield rather than covering at right-back as he did last season. Raul Asencio has filled in there on occasion, while youngster Jesus Fortea is an option from Real Madrid Castilla.
