Real Madrid have no centre-backs available ahead of Girona clash

Another crucial Real Madrid defender is sidelined ahead of La Liga’s top-of-the-table showdown.

Real Madrid face a defensive crisis ahead of their crucial clash against Girona, as Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out with a thigh injury.

The La Liga giants are already missing their first-choice centre-backs, Eder Militao and David Alaba, who suffered ACL tears earlier this season. Nacho Fernandez is also unavailable due to a muscle strain.

Rudiger sustained the injury after a challenge with Mason Greenwood in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe on February 1. Despite participating in his side’s training on Friday, the German defender failed a late fitness test, leaving the Blancos without any fit centre-backs for the Girona clash.

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Dani Carvajal will fill in at centre-back alongside midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in a makeshift backline against Girona. The Italian boss hopes to have Nacho back in the squad for Real Madrid’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

Real Madrid, currently leading La Liga with just two points ahead of Girona, have been dealt a number of injury blows this season. ACL tears have kept Thibaut Courtois, Militao, and Alaba out of action, while Vinicius Junior’s hamstring issue has limited Ancelotti’s attacking options in recent weeks.