Real Madrid is navigating a season plagued by injuries. After Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez has now joined the growing list of sidelined players. This latest setback further complicates Carlo Ancelotti’s squad management, as the Italian coach is already grappling with limited defensive options.
Since the start of the season, Real Madrid has been hit by a wave of injuries. Ancelotti has struggled to field a stable lineup due to the prolonged absences of several key players. The manager is forced to juggle a depleted squad, particularly in defense, where options are dwindling rapidly.
The injury to Eder Militao, a cornerstone of the central defense, has already weakened the backline. To make matters worse, Dani Carvajal, the usual right-back, is also unavailable. Lucas Vázquez had stepped in effectively to fill the void, but misfortune continues to strike. According to reports from La Copa, the Spanish defender is suffering from a muscle injury. Tests are underway to determine the severity, but a lengthy absence seems likely.
🚨 BREAKING: Lucas Vazquez has injured his hamstring. @miguelitocope pic.twitter.com/sCpjq7F0rb
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 24, 2025
This situation forces Ancelotti to rethink his plans. With a packed schedule between La Liga and European competitions, Real Madrid could quickly find itself in trouble if a solution isn’t found to stabilize the defense.
The Impact of Vázquez’s Injury on Real Madrid
Vázquez’s absence exacerbates the challenges of an already weakened squad. Without Carvajal or Vázquez, Real Madrid no longer has a natural right-back available. This key position, essential for balancing the team and launching attacks, has become a major headache for Ancelotti.
The depth of the squad, typically one of the club’s strengths, is now being tested. While young players or temporary solutions could be considered, these options come with risks. The defense, a potential weak point, could be exploited by opponents, especially in high-stakes matches in La Liga or the Champions League.
Mentally, this string of injuries could also affect the team’s morale. The remaining players will need to step up and compensate for these absences, which could lead to physical and psychological fatigue as the weeks go by.
Possible Solutions for Carlo Ancelotti at Right-Back
In the face of this crisis, Ancelotti must find solutions quickly. One option would be to reposition a versatile player, such as Federico Valverde, Raul Asensio, or Ferland Mendy, to cover the right-back role. Although it’s not their natural position, their experience could help mitigate the damage.
Another possibility would be to call up a player from Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team. Promising youngsters might get a chance to prove themselves, but their lack of experience at the highest level remains a drawback.
Ancelotti will also need to focus on managing his players’ physical condition to avoid worsening the situation. Smart rotation and tactical adjustments could help limit the damage in the coming weeks. The injury to Lucas Vázquez is yet another blow for Real Madrid in what has already been a challenging season.
Leave a Reply