Real Madrid have to deal with another injured defender who may not be back until late November against Villarreal.
Eden Hazard is back in the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Borussia Monchengladbach, but Real Madrid now have to deal with another injury.
Los Blancos were down to Nacho Fernandez at right back after injuries to Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola, and then Nacho left the first half of El Clasico with an injury of his own.
Real Madrid ended up playing a lot better with Lucas Vazquez at right back, winning El Clasico behind a big performance from the usual right winger.
According to a report from COPE’s Miguel Angel Diaz, Nacho Fernandez will miss Real Madrid’s next four games. He will be out against Borussia Monchengladbach, Huesca over the weekend, Inter the next week, and then Valencia on Nov. 8.
Nacho is expected to make his return after the international break against Takefusa Kubo and Villarreal on Nov. 22, which will be a huge game for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid will lean on Lucas Vazquez at right back against Borussia Monchengladbach
Odriozola should be back soon, though he isn’t in the squad against Gladbach, meaning Vazquez could get the start at right back. Hopefully, Odri will be ready against Huesca this weekend.
Carvajal is a long-term absence, so Odri may be the option at right back for several weeks. Nacho isn’t expected to get much playing time when he returns from this injury, as he played poorly at right back, lacking pace and any sort of attacking threat.
Let’s hope Nacho recovers fully in the following weeks and makes his return after the break. He has an important role on the team as a backup fullback and center back, as he is the No. 4 option at center back behind Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Eder Militao.
Until then, Vazquez and Odriozola will hold down the fort, and they have the speed to help stretch the field for Real Madrid’s attack.