Real Madrid: Two key defenders in doubt against Deportivo Alaves
After Real Madrid‘s first-round exits in the Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey, they must travel to the Mendizorroza to face Deportivo Alaves on Saturday night.
Last season, Los Blancos had little trouble against Alaves in both of their matches, but the 2020-2021 campaign has told a different story entirely. Real lost their first match against Alaves – at home, no less – 2-1. And now, they must face Alaves on the road after two terrible losses, including a loss to third-division side Alcoyano after extra time.
Real Madrid don’t have much rest, and they could be hurt even more by two absences in defense.
According to a report from COPE’s Arancha Rodriguez (tweet in Spanish), Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos are “doubts” for Saturday’s match against Deportivo Alaves. Attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard is also in doubt, as he’s dealing with a knee injury. Odegaard is expected to join Arsenal or Real Sociedad on loan.
Real Madrid’s defense and attack could be impacted
Not having Ramos or Carvajal available would be tough losses for Los Blancos. Both players are crucial to the team, and Real have been much worse off defensively this season during Carvajal’s lengthy absences due to injury.
But for Real, the biggest problems aren’t defensive. Even if those guys are out, Real should still be OK against Alaves with Lucas Vazquez at right back and Eder Militao or Nacho Fernandez starting alongside Raphael Varane. Losing Ramos and Carvajal is hardly ideal and could cost Los Blancos, but they should be able to overcome defensively.
Next. 5 burning questions after Real Madrid's loss to Alcoyano. dark
The main issue, of course, is if Real can score. They only had a consolation goal from Casemiro in their first match against Alaves, and, likewise, only had a scrappy headed goal from Militao in the Copa del Rey loss. All eyes will be on Ramos and Carvajal’s health, but the biggest talking points will continue to revolve around a sputtering offense that is at its worst against sides like Alaves. Ramos and Carvajal are assets to the attack, too, so that is another thing to keep in mind.