Injuries Open Door for Ibrahima Konate’s Starting Role at Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s newest signing, Ibrahima Konate, may soon find himself in the starting XI for the team’s opening La Liga match against Espanyol, due to recent injury setbacks affecting current players. As reported by AS, injuries to Eder Militao and Raul Asencio have constrained manager Jose Mourinho’s options in central defense.
With two key defenders out, Konate’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the club. He completed his first training session on Monday and demonstrated excellent physical condition, which could place him in the lineup for the match against Espanyol, especially amidst ongoing concerns regarding Dean Huijsen’s fitness.
Currently, Real Madrid has only three fully fit center-backs available: Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen, and Konate. This limited pool of players means the new signing has a significant opportunity to make his mark early in the season.
Injuries to Militao and Asencio pose a selection dilemma for Mourinho ahead of the Espanyol game. While Rudiger stands as the most experienced option, his spot is likely secure, leaving the second position more competitive. Huijsen has been vying for a chance, yet his recent physical issues may hinder his readiness. Conversely, Konate’s prompt integration into training could enhance his prospects for the La Liga opener.
Real Madrid’s challenges last season underscore the urgency of having fit players in defense. The squad faced 54 injuries throughout the campaign, hampering their ability to maintain stability. Konate, who played 51 matches for Liverpool in the previous season and had substantial appearances in prior years, has proven his capacity to shoulder a rigorous schedule.
With Militao and Asencio unavailable, and Huijsen’s condition still uncertain, Konate may quickly transition into a starting role, creating a strong defensive partnership alongside Rudiger despite being new to the team.
Ibrahima Konate has barely arrived at Real Madrid, but circumstances could already hand him one of the biggest opportunities available to a new signing: a place in the starting XI for the opening La Liga match against Espanyol.
According to AS, injuries to Eder Militao and Raul Asencio have left Jose Mourinho with limited options at the heart of the defence.
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Konate’s arrival, therefore, comes at a particularly useful moment for the club.
The Frenchman completed his first training session with his new teammates on Monday and arrived in excellent physical condition.
That immediately puts him in contention for the trip to Espanyol, especially with further uncertainty surrounding Dean Huijsen.
Real Madrid will begin the league campaign with only three fully available centre-backs in contention: Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen and Konate.
With two positions to fill, the new signing has been given an early opening to make his case.
Injuries create opening for Konate
Konate did not join Real Madrid expecting to wait months for his opportunity, but the timing of his arrival has made the competition for places particularly interesting.
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Militao and Asencio are both unavailable, while Huijsen’s fitness is also being monitored after he missed the team’s first official pre-season friendly.
That leaves Mourinho with a selection problem ahead of the Espanyol match.
Rudiger remains the most established option, as his experience, standing within the squad and improved physical condition give him a strong chance of starting the La Liga opener.
The second position is where things become more open.
Huijsen has been competing for a place, but his recent physical issue could affect his preparation. Konate, meanwhile, has arrived fit and has immediately joined training.
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For the French defender, that could be enough to put him into the conversation.
Mourinho could value Konate’s availability
Ibrahima Konate could start for Real Madrid against Espanyol. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s defensive problems last season provide important context to the situation.
The team dealt with 54 injuries across the campaign, with the constant disruption making it difficult to establish stability and consistency.
That is one reason Konate’s physical availability could be particularly valuable.
The Frenchman featured 51 times for Liverpool during the 2025-26 season. In the two campaigns before that, he made 41 and 37 appearances respectively.
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Those numbers show that he has been capable of handling a demanding workload, something Real Madrid will need from their defenders over a long season.
Now, with Militao and Asencio sidelined, there is little margin for error in defence.
If Huijsen is not ready to start against Espanyol, Konate could find himself alongside Rudiger despite having only recently arrived at the club.
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