Synopsis
Carlos Ancelotti regards the injuries to David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as a critical situation for Real Madrid. The team faces a demanding schedule, including the Copa Del Rey quarter-finals and a crucial UEFA Champions League match.Key Takeaways
- Ancelotti calls injuries to Alaba and Rudiger an emergency.
- Alaba is sidelined for a few weeks due to an adductor injury.
- Rudiger is expected to miss two to three weeks with a biceps femoris injury.
- The team is facing a challenging fixture schedule ahead.
- Younger players may get opportunities to step up.
Madrid, Feb 4 (NationPress) Carlos Ancelotti has described the injuries sustained by Real Madrid defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as an emergency in light of their challenging upcoming match schedule.
David Alaba, who had recently made his return from injury, is now facing a setback with an adductor strain in his left leg, sidelining him for several weeks.
In contrast, Rudiger has been a pivotal figure for the team this season but had to exit the field merely 15 minutes into Real Madrid's 0–1 loss to Espanyol on February 1 due to an injury affecting the biceps femoris in his right leg. While the club has not provided a specific recovery timeline, he is projected to be out for approximately two to three weeks.
“Unfortunately, we've lost two crucial players in the span of two days. This was not something we anticipated, particularly with Alaba, who was ready to play and felt good. We also did not foresee Rudiger's injury,” stated Ancelotti during the press conference.
“We are currently in a critical situation that we must navigate. Alaba's return has been delayed by 15 to 20 days, and Rudiger is facing a similar timeline. We will manage with the players available to us. Jacobo, who has been out for an extended period, is making a comeback and is expected to contribute,” Ancelotti explained.
Real Madrid is set to travel to the Estadio Municipal de Butarque to take on CD Leganes in the quarter-finals of the Copa Del Rey. The team must focus on recovery as they prepare to host a Madrid Derby on the upcoming weekend.
The following mid-week also presents a significant challenge with the first leg of the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City.
“My priority is to strategize for the challenges we are facing due to these emergencies. We encountered similar circumstances last year. Our task now is to effectively manage the situation, as we will be without two very key players, just as we did last year,” he added.
“This scenario offers our young players a chance to showcase their talent. We have faith in them, just as we had in Asensio when he stepped in against Osasuna. We will rely on Jacobo, who has a tremendous opportunity to prove himself in these tough times,” he concluded.
