Real Madrid faces a challenging start to their La Liga campaign, entering the season opener against Espanyol with only three fully fit center backs. The squad’s defensive options are limited due to injuries to key players, leaving Konaté, Huijsen, and Rüdiger as the sole available choices in the heart of defense.
Among the absentees, Éder Militão remains sidelined while continuing his recovery from a persistent injury that has plagued him since last season. Additionally, Asencio is out after suffering a significant quadriceps tear during preseason, further thinning the defensive ranks. As a result, the team must navigate the early fixtures relying heavily on the trio of healthy center backs.
A depleted back line — again
Although José Mourinho technically has five center backs registered in the senior squad, two are unavailable for selection at the outset. Militão underwent surgery late last season following a left hamstring injury and is still engaged in individualized rehabilitation sessions at the club’s Valdebebas training complex. Given his injury history, the club is proceeding cautiously to avoid any setbacks.
Meanwhile, Asencio‘s right quadriceps injury, which occurred during preseason, carries an expected recovery period of around six weeks. This timeline means he is unlikely to return before mid-September, forcing Mourinho to make do without him for the initial games of the campaign.
The three available options
As the new season approaches, Mourinho’s defensive options are limited to three first-team center backs:
Konaté has recently returned to training as of August 10, affording him roughly two weeks before the opener to regain match fitness. His preparation included a preseason friendly against Schalke, allowing him to acclimate to the squad and get back into form. His acquisition was largely motivated by his durability and defensive qualities, traits the club will now rely on heavily.
Joining him are Huijsen and Rüdiger, who will also be tasked with anchoring the defense in the absence of their injured teammates. Their readiness will be crucial for Real Madrid to maintain defensive stability as the season kicks off.
On a brighter note, the club’s academy has produced promising talents, with Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas making a strong impression during preseason. Their performances have placed them in consideration for future involvement, potentially providing further defensive options as the campaign progresses.