Real Madrid is starting the new La Liga season with a defensive dilemma, as injuries have left manager Jose Mourinho with just three senior centre-backs ready for their opening match against Espanyol.

As reported by AS, Eder Militao is still in recovery from long-term injuries suffered last season, while Raul Asencio is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a thigh injury incurred during the pre-season.

The current situation indicates that Real Madrid’s defence for the kickoff of their La Liga campaign will rely heavily on Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, and summer acquisition Ibrahima Konate.

Militao and Asencio Injuries Leave Mourinho Short

Real Madrid has seen a reduction in defensive options before the competitive matches have even begun.

While there are five recognized centre-backs listed in Mourinho’s first-team squad, two are unavailable for the match against Espanyol.

Militao continues to recover and is not ready to rejoin the squad, and Asencio’s injury will keep him out for several weeks. This situation offers little flexibility for Mourinho as the El Clasico approaches.

The main uncertainty lies in Konate’s fitness. The new signing still has time to enhance his readiness, with a friendly match against Schalke scheduled in the coming weeks before the league officially commences.

Additionally, Huijsen is expected to play a significant role early in the season. Despite missing the first official match due to a minor muscle issue, he was the most utilized centre-back in the previous season and might be tasked with a major responsibility from the start.

Rudiger rounds out Mourinho’s available options in defence.

The German player faced knee issues last season but has recently made his return, playing 45 minutes in a fixture against Ferencváros and starting in the match against Deportivo.

Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas Impress Mourinho in Pre-Season

The shortage of defenders has presented opportunities for Real Madrid’s younger talents. Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas have drawn Mourinho’s attention during pre-season.

Both players appeared in the team’s initial two friendly matches and are providing the Portuguese manager with additional options as the squad prepares for the opening stretch of the campaign.

With only three fit senior defenders, it’s possible one of Martinez or Rivas will need to step into the role of the fourth central defender for the team.

Real Madrid are heading into the start of the new La Liga season with an early concern at the heart of their defence, as injuries have left Jose Mourinho with only three fit senior centre-backs for the opening match against Espanyol.

According to AS, Eder Militao is still recovering from the long-term injury issues that affected him last season, while Raul Asencio is expected to spend around six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a thigh problem during pre-season.

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The situation means Real Madrid could begin their La Liga campaign relying on Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and summer signing Ibrahima Konate as their only available first-team options in central defence.

Militao and Asencio injuries leave Mourinho short

Real Madrid’s defensive depth has taken a hit before the competitive season has even properly begun. 

On paper, Mourinho has five recognised centre-backs in his first-team squad, but two of them are unavailable for the Espanyol clash.

Real Madrid only have three fit senior defenders for La Liga opener. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

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Militao remains on the road to recovery and is not yet ready to return to action, while Asencio’s thigh injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks. 

That leaves Mourinho with little room for rotation during the opening phase of the La Liga season.

The biggest question will surround Konate’s readiness. The new Real Madrid signing still has time to work on his fitness, with two weeks and a pre-season friendly against Schalke available before the league campaign gets underway.

Huijsen, meanwhile, is expected to be an important figure once again. 

A minor muscle issue kept him out of the team’s first official match, but he was Real Madrid’s most-used centre-back last season and could now be asked to take on a major role from the very beginning.

Joan Martinez could get his chance in La Liga under Mourinho. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

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Rudiger completes Mourinho’s available senior trio. 

The German defender also dealt with knee problems last season, although he has recently returned to action, playing 45 minutes against Ferencváros before starting the match against Deportivo.

Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas impress Mourinho in pre-season

The lack of available defenders has also opened the door for Real Madrid’s younger players, with Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas having caught Mourinho’s attention during pre-season. 

Both youngsters started in the club’s first two friendly matches and have given the Portuguese coach another option as he prepares for the opening weeks of the campaign.

With only three fit senior centre-backs currently available, one of Martinez or Rivas could be required to step up as the fourth central defender in the squad.