Real Madrid to consider January transfer after David Alaba injury – Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid will consider signing a central defender in January after David Alaba ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, boss Carlo Ancelotti has said.

Alaba is expected to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season and next summer’s European Championship with Austria after sustaining the injury in Real Madrid’s 4-1 La Liga victory over Villarreal earlier this month.

The Athletic reported on Sunday that Real Madrid will look to sign a replacement in defence for Alaba during the January transfer window.

Alaba successfully underwent surgery this week and joins fellow defender Eder Militao as a long-term absentee, leaving Real Madrid short of options in their backline.

“We cannot say no, we (the coaching staff) have spoken with the club and we will evaluate the decision in the next few days,” Ancelotti said.

“The (January transfer window) market ends on January 31 and we will look for the best possible solution. But for the moment we are not in a hurry. We have all the time we need to look for the best possible solution.”

Ancelotti was then quizzed on whether midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was an option to play in the position, but the Real Madrid boss played down suggestions that the France international would be frequently deployed in defence.

“He doesn’t like to play as a central defender, just like Camavinga doesn’t like to play full-back,” Ancelotti said.

“In an emergency situation, he did very well there. He knows that if there is an emergency, he will play there. But his future is as a pivot (in midfield), we all know that.”

Ancelotti added when pressed on what players might be on Real Madrid’s defensive shortlist: “I don’t think it’s the right time to name names.

“If there is an opportunity that is good for the club, for the squad, for the season, we will do it.

“I will not say if I would like to or not. We are going to make the best decision for the squad together.”

The injuries to Militao and Alaba mean that Antonio Rudiger is the only recognised senior central defender in Real Madrid’s squad, although the versatile Nacho Fernandez has also frequently played in the position.

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