Sun Nov 24 17:18:18 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid’s Injury Crisis Forces Ancelotti to Field Unconventional Lineup Against Leganes

**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid will face Leganes on Sunday with a significantly altered lineup due to a spate of injuries. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be forced to make several unusual selection choices, deploying two midfielders in unfamiliar positions.

Three players sustained injuries in the 4-0 victory over Osasuna, exacerbating an already depleted squad. The long-term absence of Dani Carvajal (ACL rupture) and Eder Militao (season-ending injury), coupled with Lucas Vazquez’s month-long layoff, necessitates midfielder Fede Valverde filling in at right-back. Raul Asencio, who impressed against Osasuna, will partner with Toni Rudiger in central defense.

Further midfield complications arise from Aurelien Tchouameni’s illness, leaving Eduardo Camavinga as the lone pivot, supported by Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham. Rodrygo’s injury sidelines him, leaving Kylian Mbappe to lead the attack, flanked by Vinicius Jr. and Arda Guler.

Despite the injury woes, Ancelotti expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a victory, stating that those players available have performed well and that he hopes to continue that momentum. The win would bring Madrid to within one point of league leaders FC Barcelona, who have faltered recently. A victory against Leganes would also serve as an important morale boost before Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool. Ancelotti also addressed recent speculation surrounding Mbappe’s mental health, calling it “too ugly.”

Read More