Real Madrid confirm new Champions League injury absence

Real Madrid are facing an injury crisis in defence ahead of their second Champions League fixture of the season against Kairat Almaty. Xabi Alonso’s side are aiming to make it two wins from two in the competition following their opening matchday victory against Marseille, but they will not have the personnel available to name a full-strength line-up.

Alonso was already without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy for the trip to Kazakhstan, and in the last 24 hours, it was confirmed that club captain Dani Carvajal will also miss out due to a calf injury that will keep him sidelined for 4-5 weeks.

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!🆚 Kairat Almaty pic.twitter.com/T315zR3gy9

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 28, 2025

Real Madrid have now confirmed that another defender will also not travel: Eder Militao. The Brazil international has been left out of Alonso’s matchday squad that has already departed for Kazakhstan.

Militao was forced off at half time of Saturday’s Madrid derby defeat with an ankle injury, which he sustained while making a goal-saving tackle on Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth. The issue is not serious, but it has been decided that he will not be risked against Kairat Almaty.

How will Real Madrid line up against Kairat Almaty?

Militao’s absence means that Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio will be partnered together, meaning that the latter cannot play at right-back, where he has been utilised since Alonso’s arrival as head coach. As such, it is expected that Federico Valverde will play there, with the left-back being either Alvaro Carreras or Fran Garcia.

Valverde’s expected move to right-back would open the door for Eduardo Camavinga to make his first start of the season, or it could be Dani Ceballos that plays instead – both could be called upon if Alonso decides to give a rest to Aurelien Tchouameni. Jude Bellingham is also a candidate to retain his place in the line-up, as is Arda Guler.