Mourinho faces defensive crisis ahead of clash with Villarreal

Real Madrid returns to competition on October 10 at 21:00 at the Bernabéu, where they will face Villarreal. José Mourinho already warns of a serious problem in central defence for that match.

Defence under pressure

Raúl Asencio is out because he will undergo tibia surgery tomorrow, and Hugo Huijsen is serving a suspension after his red card in the derby. Both absences leave important gaps in the back line.

Ibrahima Konaté is recovering from an injury sustained with the France national team and it is still unknown whether he will make it to the match. Éder Militao, who trains with the squad, has not played since April, so his condition remains a mystery.

So far, the only fit centre‑back is Antonio Rüdiger, who is not a regular starter and is being protected by the coaching staff to avoid knee problems. His presence does not guarantee a complete solution to the defensive issue.

Mourinho could choose to deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni as a centre‑back, as Carlo Ancelotti did, or try Marco Carreras or Aaron Dumfries in that role. The academy also offers options, although it seems unlikely to be the definitive solution.

The team is training for the third consecutive day while awaiting the internationals, as ManUel Bruña undergoes a surgical procedure. According to EFE, the coaching staff remains cautious in training.

In short, Mourinho will have to decide whether to take a risk with the newly recovered Konaté and Militao or to prefer a more conservative lineup, despite the lack of options in central defence.