Real Madrid head into Saturday's match at the Bernabéu with a severe defensive crisis at centre-back. Only Antonio Rüdiger is fully available for manager José Mourinho, forcing the team to seek urgent solutions against a Villarreal side arriving on a two-game winning streak and sitting ninth with 8 points. The Yellow Submarine has scored 13 goals this season but also conceded 12, suggesting the match could be full of chances.
Raúl Asencio will undergo surgery tomorrow for a tibial stress fracture. The medical report estimates his recovery between two and four months, keeping him out until well into the new year. Ibrahima Konaté, meanwhile, has a right knee medial ligament injury that will sideline him for about three weeks after getting hurt on international duty with France.
Adding to the absences is the suspension of Dean Huijsen, sent off in the derby against Atlético Madrid. Éder Militão has returned to training with the group but hasn't played an official match since last April, making his match fitness a major question mark.
"Mourinho will have to perform a juggling act to rebuild his defence for the next league fixture," said the Portuguese coach himself. Among the options he is considering is deploying Aurélien Tchouaméni as a centre-back, a role he has played before under Carlo Ancelotti. He could also switch to a back three or turn to youth team players like Joan Martínez or Diego Aguado.
Villarreal, facing the fourth-placed side, arrive in good spirits after a 3-1 win over Levante in their last outing. Alberto Moleiro was key in that victory, providing two assists and scoring a goal. Their recent form, with two consecutive wins, contrasts with Madrid's defensive situation. Their defence will be tested at a packed Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday at 21:00.
The progress of Konaté and Militão in the coming days, along with Mourinho's final decision, will determine the lineup that faces the Castellón-based team.
Background and full detail: Mundo Deportivo
