Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: 3 possible defensive lineups without David Alaba

Real Madrid know for sure that they will miss two key starters on LaLiga’s Matchday 4 against Celta Vigo in their return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Not only is Gareth Bale out due to a sudden hamstring injury, but Los Blancos have also officially left David Alaba out of the squad due to an apparent overload injury, as first reported by MARCA’s Santiago Siguero.

Alaba has taken well to Real in his first three starts. He was at left back in the first two matches before starting in central defense during the clean sheet win over Real Betis a couple of weeks ago. So the big-name free agent signing from Bayern Munich will be missed.

That said, Real have options in defense. With Ferland Mendy back in the squad and David Alaba out, let’s take a look at three possible defensive lineups for the Merengue club on Matchday 4.

LB Miguel Gutierrez, CB Nacho Fernandez, CB Eder Militao, RB Dani Carvajal

With Ferland Mendy perhaps not 100 percent recovered from what may have been shin splints, a stress fracture, or some other lower-body overuse injury, it may be safest for Miguel Gutierrez to start again at left back.

He was arguably the best player on the pitch in the hard-fought win over Real Betis last time out, and he has earned another start. Miguel has impressed Madridistas since the end of last season when Mendy’s injuries first gave him a shot to obtain meaningful minutes.

A future starter at the left back position for Real Madrid, Miguel could be an X-Factor on Sunday night vs. Celta Vigo.

Elsewhere, Nacho and Eder Militao are a strong center back pairing, and we all know how good the matchwinner at the Benito Villamarin, Dani Carvajal, is. Militao’s situation is worth monitoring, though, since he may not be recovered from his last match for the Brazil national team.