Real Madrid chose not to reinforce defence despite being aware of veteran’s year-long ordeal | OneFootball

Real Madrid are in a hot soup heading into the final months of the season, especially with respect to their defensive depth.

Los Blancos began the season struggling for resources in the department, especially after Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal suffered season-ending injuries. David Alaba not having recovered from his setback at that point only worsened the situation.

Now, they appear to have fallen into the same trap once more with Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba all not available any more this season.

The former, in fact, has used his prolonged suspension to undergo a much-needed surgery.

Real Madrid’s neglect

As relayed in a recent report by El Confidencial, Rudiger is suffering from a condition known as premature arthritis. It is a degenerative condition of the joint and causes him serious pain in his knee.

The player has not felt right in his knee for nearly a year now and has been battling through the pain to help Los Blancos in their defensive crisis. Real Madrid have known of his condition well.

Out for the season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite being aware of the pain Rudiger is in and that he suffers from such a chronic debility, they decided not to sign a centre-back last summer. What’s worse is that they did not look for a backup option even in January.

With Militao suffering back-to-back ACL injuries, Rudiger’s knee not getting any better with every passing day and Alaba far from fit, Real Madrid have serious problems in defence even ahead of the new season.

Yet, word has it that Florentino Perez is counting every penny and sees the transfer fee commanded by a top signing like Dean Huijsen to be out of the team’s budget.

It is clear that Real Madrid need a new centre-back in June, for only Raul Asencio and Jesus Vallejo are available at the moment as natural centre-backs. The situation for Real Madrid does not look promising for the tail end of the campaign.