Antonio Rudiger has been one of Real Madrid's most dependable defenders this season, particularly following Eder Militao's untimely injury.
Rudiger has been a superb defender this season, despite a few ups and downs. He had been playing with a lot of agony for a long time before deciding to get surgery recently.
Rudiger's post-surgery recovery is expected to keep him out of action for an extended amount of time, presumably for the rest of the season. With that, Real Madrid must find an expedient response to the gap that has been created.
After Rudiger's absence, at least three Real Madrid players must stand up and help the team finish the season well.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Tchouameni's skills at the rear will undoubtedly be required again. Carlo Ancelotti values his dependability as a center defender and has put him to the test multiple times this season. Tchouameni has delivered nearly every time.
The Frenchman is a solid ball defender who understands the hazards of playing center back. This season, he has mostly worked well alongside Rudiger or Raul Asencio, and he is absolutely needed again.
Furthermore, given Arda Guler's late surge, the Turkish youth may start the next few games in midfield, standing in for Tchouameni, despite the fact that their duties are different. To put it simply, if Tchouameni is moved to the rear, there will be one less position to cover in the midfield.
Raul Asencio
Asencio and Rudiger have been vital to Real Madrid's big-game performances this season. These two players have demonstrated much-needed coordination and synergy, leading Los Blancos to the destinations they visited this season.
With his partner missing, Asencio must serve as the defense's leading voice. Rudiger was a leader who led with his towering stature and voice, and Asencio must play that role now.
He will have to keep track of the entire backline and preserve the order in order to contend for the La Liga trophy, which is still in play.
David Alaba
Despite his generally poor performance this season, Alaba remains Real Madrid's most seasoned center defender right now. He has been summoned on several occasions to relieve the starting center backs, and he will be required to do so again this time.
He's matched with Asencio multiple times and will need to elaborate on their chemistry again. Yes, Alaba has not been a terrific defender this season, but he has the experience to change his fate with a few opportunities. His discomfort has held him behind, but he must show character and reclaim his place.
This might also be an opportunity for the Austrian to re-energize himself and atone for his mistakes this season. This is his greatest chance to receive the consistent minutes he needs and re-establish himself. Not to mention the opportunity to defend his enormous salary.