Real Madrid have been trialling Raul Asencio as a right-back in training to cover the Dani Carvajal injury, despite Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer links.
Real Madrid have had a horrid few months in terms of injuries. This has caused their start to the 2024/25 campaign to be slow and subpar, with a few key players missing in key positions.
Without a doubt, the defence has been hit the most. Unfortunately, Dani Carvajal is expected to be missing for the foreseeable future, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with limited options at right-back.
Currently, Lucas Vazquez is occupying the position. However, with the fixture schedule heating up, Carlo Ancelotti is open to trialling a breakout player out of position.
Real Madrid trial Dani Carvajal replacement & it’s not Trent Alexander-Arnold
According to a report from Spanish outlet MARCA, there could be a new position for Raul Asencio. The centre-back is being trialled as a right-back, with Carlo Ancelotti having rest for Vazquez at the back of his mind.
Raul Asencio is just 21 years old and he was afforded his Real Madrid breakthrough this season. Admittedly, he was handed an easier route into the starting lineup due to injuries elsewhere in the team but he made the most of his chances.
In recent weeks, though, Raul Asencio has found himself falling back down the pecking order. This is because Carlo Ancelotti has opted for assurance in the back-line rather than youth, with Aurelien Tchouameni filling the position.
However, there are still questions being asked of Real Madrid's defensive assurance. The back-line conceded three goals at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which for a title competing team, is not good enough.
Therefore, Real Madrid might like to trial Raul Asencio as a right-back. This would be a smart decision, particularly with the heated December and new-year schedule already kicking in.
Of course, there is an elephant in the room here. We would be remiss not to mention Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is a key figure in Real Madrid's defensive situation, despite never belonging to Real Madrid.
The English defender is wanted by Real Madrid, with his future still up in the air. His contract at Anfield expires in 2025, so at the end of this campaign. Therefore, he is Real Madrid's priority signing, but Liverpool understandably would prefer to keep him.
So, perhaps Real Madrid are playing their cards right by converting Raul Asencio's position.