Real Madrid is facing a major defensive crisis due to a prolonged series of injuries that have hit the backline in recent months, which has clearly affected the team's cohesion and stability in major matches. The recurring injuries have affected key players and created significant gaps in the starting lineup.

Throughout the current season and even past seasons, Real Madrid's defense has suffered repeated absences of important names such as Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy, in addition to multiple issues with Dean Henderson, which have kept him from regular participation due to recurring muscle problems.

In the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid, coach Xabi Alonso was forced to reorganize the defensive line after both Rüdiger and Asensio left the match due to physical problems, compelling him to deploy Tchouaméni and Carvajal in the center-back positions, while Henderson was not sufficiently ready to participate.

The problem worsens ahead of the Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday, as Rüdiger remains a major doubt for the match due to knee pain and clear signs of fatigue, with ongoing uncertainties regarding the readiness of other defensive players.

Despite this, sources told Marca that Real Madrid does not intend to sign any defender during the winter transfer window, including linked names like Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, even amid talk of a deal valued at around 50 million euros.

Within the club, there is a consensus that the current situation is just a temporary circumstance and that the team has sufficient players once the injured recover, considering injuries a natural part of the work of top clubs. Additionally, the return of Nico Mihic to the position of medical supervisor is seen as an important step in trying to reduce this recurring issue within the team.

So far, the option of bringing in a new defender during the winter transfer window has been ruled out, whether it is Schlotterbeck or other names, while the focus remains on managing the crisis with the current squad and attempting to gradually regain players before the upcoming crucial matches.