Real Madrid’s roster is suffering one of their worst summers in terms of setbacks. Setbacks that cast doubt on the team’s status as serious contenders for major titles.
In the space of a week, Ancelotti’s side have gone from having a very complete squad that only lacked the icing on the cake with the arrival of Mbappé to be the best in the world, to dropping down the list of favourites due to serious injuries.
Several injuries for Real Madrid’s roster on defense:
And if there was one thing that characterised the Madrid side of the last two years, Champions League winners in 2021, apart from their effective striking, it was that defensive security commanded by two great pillars, Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão. Both two of the best in the world in their position, both seriously and long-term injured with ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the last week.
To make up for these absentees, it seems that only goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will arrive. A very good deal, as he signs on loan with no option to buy, making it clear that Madrid’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper is and will be Courtois when he returns. In addition, it was the option with the best economic quality and the best immediate return available on the market.
In the case of the Brazilian centre-back, Real Madrid do not seem to be going to the market. It was the right decision not to take on an additional player, as there are plenty of versatile players in the squad who can offer many solutions.
Rüdiger will take on a more important role and will probably take over the starting role, with Nacho as a guaranteed substitute. In the event of further injuries, Mendy can play at left centre-back, Camavinga can move to left-back, etc.
The obvious thing is that the defensive level, in terms of quality, drops significantly without Courtois and Militão. The problem would also be if injuries hit Real Madrid even harder in this area for the rest of the season.
In that case, the campaign could be a very long one for the ‘Merengues’, because their resources are sufficient, but very limited. In other words, if one more player goes down with a certain degree of seriousness, there would be serious problems.
Kylian Mbappé, almost ruled out:
However, there is a move that would transform this pessimism at the level from Real Madrid’s roster into long lines of illusion and return them to the podium of favourites to win everything. It would turn that feeling of inadequacy into euphoria and total optimism. Yes, the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
However, the signing of the ‘tortoise’ this summer is becoming more and more complicated with his reincorporation into the squad and those “positive talks” that PSG also talked about last week.
It seemed that this was the definitive summer because all the factors came together: the departure of Benzema, Mbappé’s rebelliousness with his non-renewal, the pressure from PSG and their stance of not letting him go free, away from the team, etc.
However, at no time has Mbappé made any clear statement or gesture to Real Madrid in a soap opera that has become a poker game, with little more than a fortnight left and nobody knows how it will end.
The only thing that is known is that the subject is beginning to tire the supporters of the club. So much so that most think that if it isn’t done this summer, he should be forgotten for good, as he is a player who constantly conditions the club’s planning and has made the arrival of another striker in this market difficult.
Bellingham already shines at Real Madrid:
Despite all that has been said, Real Madrid were very convincing at San Mamés last Saturday, with a stellar Bellingham who has become the illusion that, for the moment, every madridista can hold on to. With a new scheme, without a striker, which seems to be working, but isn’t convincing in the long term.
For the moment, now that we are halfway through August, the main feeling is that there is a very good squad, with a dream midfield that is perhaps the best and most complete in the world at the moment.
However, there is a feeling that, after the serious injuries and a number 9 that is still free, there are still some pieces missing to bring back the illusion that existed in July and make us forget the feeling that the season is very long and that this squad does not give us enough to be favourites or serious contenders to win everything.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @realmadrid.
At ELXIIDEAL we have a great opportunity to advertise your business via our website and social media network.
