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Real Madrid 'decide against signing defender despite David Alaba injury'

By Ben Sully | 18 December 2023

Real Madrid 'decide against signing defender despite Alaba injury'

Real Madrid reportedly decide against signing a defender in January to replace David Alaba, who recently sustained a season-ending knee injury.

Real Madrid have reportedly decided against signing a new defender to replace the injured David Alaba.

Carlo Ancelotti's side produced a dominant performance on Sunday evening to record a comfortable 4-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric all got on the scoresheet to help their side claim a fifth consecutive home win in all competitions.

Unfortunately for Los Blancos, their commanding display was overshadowed by a serious knee injury that forced Alaba off in the first half.

Real Madrid announced after the game that the Austria international had become the third Real Madrid player to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury this season.

Real Madrid's Eder Militao walks off after suffering an injury against Athletic Bilbao on August 12, 2023 © Reuters

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao are both sidelined with the same injury that Alaba sustained in Sunday's win.

With Militao and Alaba set to miss the rest of the season, there have been suggestions that Real Madrid could delve into the January transfer market to bolster their backline.

However, according to Marca, Real Madrid have no plans to enter the January transfer market despite seeing their backline affected by injuries, which has left them with Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as their only two fit senior centre-backs.

It claims that the injury setbacks have forced Los Blancos to consider a number of options to solve their defensive crisis, including a potential recall for Rafa Marin.

The 21-year-old is currently in the middle of a season-long loan at Alaves, where he has made 13 top-flight appearances.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on November 26, 2023 © Reuters

While there may be a temptation to bring the defender back to club, Real Madrid intends to honour the loan agreement that they have with the Basque side.

With Real Madrid continuing to scour the market for young players with potential, they have been weighing up the possibility of pursuing a deal for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.

Despite contemplating a January move for the 18-year-old, Los Blancos are reluctant to delve into the market, and they are determined to stick to that plan.

With that in mind, Ancelotti could turn to the club's B team and the academy to add further depth to his dwindling squad.

Alvaro Carrillo, Marvel and Jacobo Ramon are among the youngsters that could be considered if Ancelotti decides to go down that route.