Injuries have been Real Madrid's biggest problem for a long time now. This time around, the issue has been even bigger than normal. David Alaba recently became the club's third player to tear his ACL this season and he has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign. That has left Carlo Ancelotti in a tough position.
With Eder Militao already out, and Alaba joining the injury list, Real Madrid only have two fit centre-backs right now. They are Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.
Considering the schedule that Los Blancos have, that is far from ideal. Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal can fill in there if the situation calls for it but one would much rather have a recognised centre-back.
Amid all this, a club legend is being linked with a return to Santiago Bernabeu. As reported by Cadena Cope (via TEAMtalk), Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of re-signing Raphael Varane in an unexpected January deal as cover for Alaba.
Real Madrid eye Manchester United player after Alaba injury
Varane has not been a regular starter for Manchester United this season, as he has seemed to slip down Erik ten Hag's pecking order. There has been speculation about his future already, with the Frenchman not getting the playing time that a player of his calibre and reputation generally expects.
Could a return to Real Madrid be on the cards for Varane? While unexpected, nothing should ever be ruled out in football.
Varane knows the club like the back of his hand and won't take any time to adjust to Real Madrid or Spanish football. If available on a loan deal, a move for the Frenchman would make sense.
Of course, there has been conflicting rumours about Real Madrid's plans following Alaba's injury. Some outlets have suggested that the club won't sign a centre-back in January and continue to rely on the options they have.