Forgotten Real Madrid star could be their unlikely saviour amidst injury crisis | OneFootball

In a recent report by AS, it has emerged that Jesus Vallejo could be a surprising potential solution for Real Madrid’s defensive crisis. The central defender might find himself getting more playing time in the upcoming matches due to the club’s current injury troubles.

Real Madrid’s defensive and midfield lines are severely impacted by injuries. Since the start of September, several key players, including Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eder Militao, have been sidelined.

They are joined by David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham, who are also unavailable. This lengthy list of absentees leaves Carlo Ancelotti with limited options as he prepares for a demanding stretch of the season.

Adding to the woes, Jacobo Ramon, who had been a regular in Ancelotti’s selections, has also been injured.

In the next 23 days, Real Madrid will play seven matches, including a crucial fixture against Real Sociedad on September 14. Ancelotti is hopeful that players with less severe injuries, like Mendy and Tchouameni, will recover in time for this game.

This string of injuries has put significant strain on the squad, and could pave the way for an unexpected hero: Jesus Vallejo.

Is Vallejo up for the job?

Jesus Vallejo might feature in the next few games for Real Madrid. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

With Militao’s injury uncertain, Ancelotti currently has only two fit centre-backs available for the trip to San Sebastian: Vallejo and Antonio Rudiger.

Although the squad has depth and versatile players, the prolonged absence of Alaba and Vallejo’s limited contributions in recent seasons have led to debates about reinforcing the defence with a more experienced fifth centre-back.

Despite this, Ancelotti had previously asserted confidence in the current resources, even while the transfer window was open. Now that the window has closed, Vallejo’s moment might have arrived, especially given his recent fitness issues.

In the current defensive lineup, Ancelotti has five players: Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Vallejo, and Fran Garcia.

Militao and Mendy are doubtful, while Alaba, Tchouameni, and Camavinga remain injured. Although Carvajal could potentially be shifted to centre-back, Vallejo remains the most straightforward solution.

Back at Madrid this year with a contract expiring soon, Vallejo’s only appearance so far has been in a pre-season friendly against Milan. Muscle issues have since prevented him from featuring in the last three league matches.