Real Madrid has already found a new central defender and will not head to the market to find further back line reinforcements according to MARCA.
Serious injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba have left recently-renewed head coach Carlo Ancelotti understaffed in defense.
For Los Blancos’ final game of 2023, the Italian traveled to Alaves with just five defenders in total.
This meant that Aurelien Tchouameni had to enter the fray when captain Nacho was red-carded around the hour mark.
The midfielder did a sterling job in a defensive role, and was complimented by Ancelotti for it following the 1-0 win sealed via an injury time Lucas Vazquez header which guaranteed Madrid closed out the year top of the league.
“He’ll be angry, but he’s a spectacular centre-back. He plays very well, he gets the ball out like few others and tactically he is very good,” was what Ancelotti had to say about the Frenchman.
And according to MARCA, the manager will further rely on the 23-year-old to muck in as part of a back four when required.
Above all, Ancelotti will place his faith in Nacho and an improving Antonio Rudiger in central defense with Tchouameni a third option.
Elsewhere, it is expected that Militao will return from an ACL tear in the last week of March which will hopefully help boost the 14-time winners in a deep run through the Champions League knockout phase set to start in February.
All this means Madrid won’t head to the market for reinforcements this month, and that it plans to move forward with the players already at its disposal.
There is no interest in taking anyone on loan if not permanently either, and young targets that are being monitored – such as Antonio Silva or Goncalo Inacio – have exorbitant price tags that can’t be met at present.
With Nacho suspended thanks to his Alaves red card, Tchouameni could start in central defense for Wednesday’s hosting of Mallorca.
If Ancelotti’s troops win and Girona falls to Atletico Madrid on the same evening, the Bernabeu giants could open up a three-point lead at the summit.