Real Madrid Face Defensive Crisis as Mourinho Loses Several Centre-Backs

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has a defensive headache ahead of the La Liga game against Villarreal on October 10, with several centre backs out through injury and suspension, Marca reports.

Antonio Rudiger is the only natural first-team central defender available. Dean Huijsen is suspended for one match after being sent off against Atletico Madrid in the derby, and Raul Asencio has recently had surgery.

Marca says Aurelien Tchouameni is the main option to fill in, a job the France midfielder has done before during injury crises. Mourinho is also thinking about using Denzel Dumfries in the middle. The Dutchman has the strength to play there, and the manager has already tried odd defensive set-ups this season. After a friendly against Alcorcon in August, he said he had to pair Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries to "try to find a dynamic that would allow for this type of play."

Youngsters from the club's academy could also get a chance. Mario Rivas, Joan Martinez and Diego Aguado are all being considered for the squad. Mourinho has used them in training since the start of the season, so it looks like a planned step and not a last resort.

He has already praised Martinez and Rivas, who played together at centre back in a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. "Joan and Mario are two kids with a fantastic future who, while the match had not entered the physical dimension, have been at a tremendous class," he told Marca.

There is one bright spot. Eder Militao is recovering well and is reportedly ahead of schedule. For now, though, Mourinho must decide whether to trust the versatility of Tchouameni and Dumfries or the potential of the academy players.