Real Madrid have been struggling with injury problems this season much like in the previous campaign. The squad is without a number of key players right now due to multiple medium-term as well as long-term injuries, leaving head coach Carlo Ancelotti with very few options in a number of areas on the pitch.
The team lost Thibaut Courtois before the season even started and Eder Militao on matchday one, both to torn ACLs. Other players such as Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga are also dealing with injuries that will see them return sometime in the new year.
David Alaba is the most recent player to suffer a significant injury this season, as he became the third Real Madrid player out with a torn ACL. This leaves the squad with only two fit central defenders, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho. The latter ended up being sent off in the very next game, against Alaves.
The club now find themselves in a difficult situation. Many believe that Aurelien Tchouameni could be used as cover in the centre-back position. However, there are others who think that the club must strengthen there in the January transfer window.
Real Madrid interested in bringing back former player in January
A familiar face could be back at Santiago Bernabeu come January. As tweeted by Christian Falk, Real Madrid are interested in Raphael Varane after Alaba's injury.
Varane spent over a decade at Real Madrid from 2011 up until his departure for Manchester United in the summer of 2021. However, after less than three years away, the Frenchman could potentially be in line for a return to the Spanish capital.
The World Cup winner has found himself slipping down the pecking order at Manchester United this season. He has started just once in their last 10 Premier League games leading to speculation about his future at Old Trafford.