The surprising duo in defense that Ancelotti plans for the classic and the Champions League

One of the worst pieces of news Real Madrid could receive in the coming weeks is the injury absence of Antonio Rüdiger. The German footballer has played almost 2,900 minutes at an excellent pace, but he couldn't finish the last match, leaving "an injury in the right leg's hamstring". Thus, the situation Carlo Ancelotti is in right now is really complicated.

Because not only has he lost one of the players who forms the backbone of his starting eleven, but the options he has to replace him are and have been debated. The first player the Reggiolo coach could use for that purpose is a David Alaba just coming off a serious and long injury. While it's true that the Austrian '4' has left a good impression in recent matches, it seems evident to the coaches that he is still far from facing intense matches.

That's why Aurélien Tchouaméni seems destined once again to return as a central defender. The French '14' received a lot of criticism and a loud booing from Santiago Bernabéu for his discreet performance in that position, an idea with which the white fans also don't agree. They booed the Reggiolo coach upon the club's return to the merengue coliseum after the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, a quite striking "warning".

These warnings would have fallen on deaf ears judging by the latest tactical arrangements of the Italian strategist. Carlo Ancelotti insists on placing Aurélien Tchouaméni as a central defender even with other players like Raúl Asencio or Jesús Vallejo, who would play in their position. Knowing now that he doesn't have Antonio Rüdiger for three very important matches in the season, the Reggiolo coach might have already changed the defense for the upcoming commitments.

Almost confirmed choice

David Alaba, despite progressing adequately, still wouldn't have enough strength to definitively regain his position as a key starter against Atlético de Madrid or Manchester City. That's why the player chosen to replace the German '22' is none other than Raúl Asencio: the defender from La Fábrica has been waiting for another opportunity for some time.

Only with Antonio Rüdiger's injury, reports 'Relevo', the Real Madrid coach would have decided to place him as a starter. Thus, this digital newspaper warns that Carlo Ancelotti is considering placing a central duo composed of Asencio himself and Aurélien Tchouaméni for the upcoming matches.

The great test of fire could come on Wednesday, February 5 against Leganés. This Copa del Rey quarter-final match, although it doesn't leave much room for 'experimenting,' is the only match before the Madrid classic and the round of 16. Raúl Asencio has another opportunity ahead to perform at his best, as he has been doing so far, and further complicate his coach's decisions.

Carlo Ancelotti's credit in managing the central defenders, as well as the young talents, has been steadily declining since the season started. Everything points to the Italian coach not changing his initial plans... unless circumstances beyond his control, like Rüdiger's injury, force him to do so.