Statistics tell a very disturbing story about Real Madrid’s injury issues | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defence has been hit hard over the last three seasons, and it is starting to show just how much of a toll that has taken.

According to a report by MARCA, Los Blancos’ defenders have picked up 55 injuries during this period, missing a total of over 2000 days of action, and this growing list of absentees could not come at a worse time.

With the La Liga title still up for grabs and a crucial fixture against league leaders Barcelona approaching, Real Madrid’s options at the back have been reduced to the bare minimum.

Right now, three key players—David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy—are all out. This has left Fran Garcia as the only natural defender currently available from the first team.

Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Alaba were already sidelined, and while Lucas Vazquez can fill in at right-back, he does not offer the same level of defensive stability.

Jesus Vallejo is not in Ancelotti’s plans, leaving Ancelotti to rely on Raul Asencio as the only central defender fit to play.

Ancelotti struggling to field a consistent back line

David Alaba is out as well. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Carlo Ancelotti has rarely been able to use his preferred defensive setup. The combination of Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, and Mendy has only played together six times this season across 57 matches.

Last season, he did not get to use his preferred defence at all. Furthermore, in 2022-23, it happened just ten times. Injuries have disrupted the flow and chemistry of the back line, forcing the manager to get creative week after week.

Ancelotti has already used 27 different defensive line-ups this season. Of those, 17 were used just once. Six players have filled in at right-back, four at left-back, and nine in central defence.

That kind of instability is far from ideal, especially during the final stretch of a title race.

With the stakes higher than ever and the squad stretched thin, Real Madrid must now rely on depth, experience, and perhaps a bit of luck to hold their ground until key players return.