Real Madrid: Madrid's defense faces major difficulties ahead of LaLiga restart

For the start of the LaLiga season, José Mourinho will have to cope with a depleted central defense.

According to AS, Real Madrid currently has only three first-team center-backs fit and available to face Espanyol: Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, and Antonio Rüdiger. Éder Militão is still recovering from hamstring surgery, while Raúl Asencio is sidelined with a femoral muscle tear and isn't expected back until mid-September.

The situation is worrying, as Konaté has only just returned to training and Rüdiger was also hampered by physical problems last season. To round out his squad, José Mourinho may be forced to turn to the youth academy.

Read also: Trophée des Champions: PSG squad to face Lens with Hakimi and Mbaye

Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas made the most of preseason to impress the Portuguese manager, and one of them is expected to take on the role of fourth center-back. Even before matchday one, injuries are creating a real opportunity for Castilla's young talents.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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