Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal tears ACL: How do Los Blancos cope without prized veteran defender?

Heading into the international break, there is worry for Real Madrid. In their 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, right back Dani Carvajal had to be stretchered off due to a knee injury, which the club later confirmed was an ACL tear. He went down during stoppage time in the second half after a collision with Yermy Pino, immediately signaling to the sidelines. With how late it was, Los Blancos finished with 10 men instead of being able to bring on a sub to replace him.

“Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg,” Madrid said in a statement.

While Real Madrid have plenty of depth in attack, that isn’t the case defensively. Star keeper Thibaut Courtois is also injured and other members of the side have spent time in and out of the XI. Carvajal has been ever present already featuring in 11 matches this season and was also set to represent Spain on the international stage.

So, who could Ancelotti turn to?

The natural replacement: Lucas Vazquez

When looking at the squad, Lucas Vazquez is the only other standard right back available. While the 33-year-old has had to play second fiddle to Carvajal, that doesn’t mean that he can’t cause some danger in his own right. Last season Vazquez had three goals and seven assists in 38 competitions. Being able to fill in in a pinch is important and this would be one of the more seamless ways to set up the team without changing the tactics drastically.

Versatile center backs: Eder Millitao

While Eder Militao is at home in central positions, that doesn’t mean that he can’t slide out to the flanks if needed. Having Aurelien Tchouameni being able to fit between midfield and center back does provide flexibility in defense but with Kylian Mbappe in attack, a move like this could cause more pressure than it’s worth out wide. A move like this does help Real Madrid on set plays but it’s unknown how effective it can be on the pitch.

Can Camavinga play both sides?

When he started his Real Madrid career, Eduardo Camavinga made some appearances at left back. He has now been needed in midfield but in a pinch, it could be worth seeing if the 21-year-old can go back to defense for Los Blancos. He’s solid in possession and a dynamic athlete to help build from the back but the worry would be seeing if this is a change of position that’s too foreign for the Frenchman.