Well, it wouldn't be a typical Real Madrid season if they didn't have to deal with an injury crisis that affected several key players in the squad. Many starting players are out dealing with season-ending injuries, and the club is scrambling for solutions.
Players like Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are out dealing with season-ending ACL injuries which has caused Carlo Ancelotti to deploy a makeshift backline in every match. The Italian often uses defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a central defender alongside Antonio Rudiger. However, this usually leaves a gap in the midfield that creates a risk of costing the team results.
This is where Dani Ceballos comes into play. The Spaniard put in a number of sensational performances in the midfield this season before he suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for up to two months.
With Ceballos out injured Real Madrid run the risk of having their midfielders suffering fatigue and even more injuries. Although the January transfer window has long been closed, there is one player who was once a top midfielder in Europe who is available as a free agent, Paul Pogba.
Should Real Madrid sign Paul Pogba to cope with latest midfield injury?
The 31-year-old is available on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Juventus last year. Pogba was handed a four-year doping ban in February 2024, which was cut to only 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Frenchman is eligible to play again in March and there are a few landing spots for the World Cup winner. He has been linked with a return to Manchester United, as well as other clubs such as Fenerbahce, Marseille, and Inter Miami. But should Real Madrid be one of the teams in for his signing?
With all of the injuries Real Madrid have had to deal with this season, bringing in Pogba could be of benefit to the club. A short-term deal for the remainder of the season would be a low-risk high-reward signing for the club as they fight to keep their La Liga and Champions League victory hopes alive heading into the most crucial stretch of the season.