Defensive crisis hits Real Madrid ahead of Villarreal clash

Real Madrid are set to return to action on October 10, when they host Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu. This match could present a real crisis in the centre-back position for manager José Mourinho.

Raúl Asencio will miss the match after undergoing surgery on his shinbone, while Dean Huijsen is suspended following his red card in the derby. Ibrahima Konaté continues to recover from his injury with the France national team, and his availability for the match against Villarreal remains uncertain.

Éder Militão has returned to team training, but his participation in the match remains in doubt, especially since he has not played any match since April, which puts the decision to use him in José Mourinho's hands.

According to "Mundo Deportivo", Antonio Rüdiger is the only available centre-back at Real Madrid right now, but he is not a regular starter. The club is handling his situation with caution to prevent him from suffering a knee injury.

Real Madrid have several days before facing Villarreal, but Mourinho may have to rely on Ibrahima Konaté and Éder Militão after their return from injury, with the possibility of them suffering a setback. Other options are emerging, such as deploying Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defence, or using Álvaro Carreras or Denzel Dumfries, alongside the possibility of calling up academy players.