Real Madrid Right back options with Trent and Carvajal injured

Analysis of the Real Madrid-right back options from Xabi Alonso with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal not available.

The depth of Real Madrid on right back seemed safe at the start of the season.

The signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the return of Dani Carvajal from injury gave Xabi Alonso two options of world class. But in mid-September both players were sidelined and the defensive headache from Madrid has returned.

Alexander-Arnold has sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to eight weeks, while Carvajal is suspended after his red card in the Champions League opener against Marseille.

Alonso leaves that to solutions for a debilitating series of luminaires, including collisions with Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona and a trip to Liverpool at the beginning of November.

So, who can fill the gap on the right flank?

Real Madrid Right back options

Raul Assenci

The simplest option is Raul Asencio, who came from the bank after Carvajal’s red card against Marseille. The 22-year-old was promoted to the first team after the ACL injury of Eder Militao last season and played 57 times on matches.

While his start was under Alonso Rocky – including a red card in the Club World Cup and errors against PSG – he was reflected with solid recent versions. Alonso praised his display in the middle against Espanyol as “excellent”.

However, off-field problems are about Asencio. He will be on trial with regard to accusations of sharing a sex tape in which a minor is involved, although he continues to deny misconduct. Until now, the case has not influenced its status within the team.

Federico Valverde

Federico Valverde is no stranger in the role. Under Carlo Ancelotti he made 15 starts on the right last season, including in Champions League tires against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

But the Uruguayan is clear about his preference. “I am doing well in the middle, my position, where I have always played,” Valverde said after Marseille’s victory. “The coach knows that I don’t really like to play at full-back.”

Still, with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga Fit Again, Alonso may have the luxury of shifting Valverde Wide in a three-at-the-the-back-system-a temporary solution that could reach the schedule.

Eder Militao or Fran Garcia: Creative Reshuffles

Alonso could also experiment with Eder Militao, who has nearly 50 career performances on right back, including for Brazil on the World Cup 2022. But moving him there would disrupt his partnership with Dean Huijsen in central defense.

Another option is Fran Garcia, a natural left back that impressed the club World Cup. Although he has rarely played on the right, Alonso assesses his working speed and he may see him as an option to cover the ground when the team is stretched.

Academic perspectives: Is it too early for Jesus Fortea?

Fans have called for Jesus Fortea, the 18-year-old signed from Atletico Madrid in 2022. Considered one of the smartest talents in the Academy, he recently signed a new contract and was recorded in Alonso’s Club World Cup team.

But Fortea will soon be gone with Spain at the World Cup under 20 in Chile and excluded it the following month. Even without it it was unlikely that Alonso would not throw him in a Champions League campaign.

In the end, with Alexander-Arnold sidelined until November and forbade Carvajal in Europe, Alonso has few easy answers. Asencio looks the most likely solution in the short term, but Valverde or Militao may also have to intervene during crunch games.