Real Madrid down to five defenders after another injury setback – Football España

Real Madrid are down to just five fit defenders, another another setback just five days away from El Clasico. This time it is David Alaba who has suffered an injury, as he continues his shaky fitness record.

The Austrian defender started for Los Blancos for just the second time this Sunday night against Getafe, and played just 45 minutes before being withdrawn for Raul Asencio at half-time. It turns out that he has a hamstring strain in his right leg. Marca say that he will be out of action for 7-10 days.

How many games will David Alaba miss?

The veteran centre-back will be out of their tie in the Champions League this week against Juventus, and El Clasico on Sunday against Barcelona. Depending on how quickly he recovers, Alaba could be available for the visit of Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu, after which they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Real Madrid down to five fit defenders

The news came shortly before Xabi Alonso confirmed that Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold would not be fit in time to face Juventus. It leaves Los Blancos with just five fit defenders, three of which are left-backs: Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia. It should be noted that Fede Valverde has been filling in at right-back, while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have also taken shifts in defence at times. Carreras has also featured in a back three in defence this season too.

When will Real Madrid get players back?

The hope for Real Madrid is that Huijsen, Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are all fit in time for El Clasico, although the central defender is the only one likely to start. It means that Alonso is predicted to line up with Carreras, Huijsen, Militao and Valverde in his back four for the Clasico, with Asencio in place of Huijsen until he returns.