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Real Madrid's Injury Crisis: How Militao's Hamstring Blow Adds to Alonso's Woes

Real Madrid's defensive woes have deepened with Eder Militao's latest hamstring injury, which will likely keep him out for the rest of 2025. The crisis leaves coach Xabi Alonso with just two fit central defenders ahead of a vital Champions League match against Manchester City. This setback comes after a shocking 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, where the team also saw three players sent off. The situation presents a massive challenge for Alonso as he tries to steady the ship at the Bernabeu.

Key Points: Militao Injury Adds to Real Madrid's Defensive Crisis Under Alonso

  • Eder Militao suffered a left hamstring injury against Celta Vigo and is unlikely to play again in 2025
  • The injury crisis leaves only Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio as fit central defenders
  • Coach Xabi Alonso faces Manchester City without up to seven key defensive players
  • Real Madrid's 2-0 home defeat was compounded by three red cards for indiscipline
2 min read

La Liga 2025-26: Militao injury adds to Alonso's Real Madrid problems

Eder Militao's hamstring injury sidelines him for 2025, worsening Real Madrid's defensive crisis ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City.

"It was like one step forward and two steps back for Real Madrid and Alonso. - Xinhua report"

Madrid, Dec 8

Real Madrid central defender Eder Militao could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the Brazilian limped out of Sunday's home defeat to Celta Vigo. Militao went to the ground clutching his left hamstring after having chased down Celta forward Pablo Duran, and had to be helped off the pitch in evident pain before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.

Although the club has yet to publish a medical report, it seems unlikely Militao will play again in 2025, and he has to be considered a serious doubt for the Spanish Supercup, which will be played in Saudi Arabia in early January, reports Xinhua.

Militao has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, needing two knee operations and then suffering another muscle problem that sidelined him for a fortnight in November.

The injury comes at the worst possible time for the under-pressure Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, whose side entertains Manchester City in a vital Champions League game on Wednesday.

As well as Militao, Alonso will also be missing David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is also likely to miss the rest of 2025.

That leaves just Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio as Real Madrid's only two fit central defenders, while the red cards shown to left-backs Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia on Sunday mean they will be suspended for next weekend's La Liga visit to Deportivo Alaves.

The weekend was not that great for Real Madrid.

After Real Madrid appeared to return to their best form with a 3-0 win against Athletic Club last Wednesday, nobody expected Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Celta Vigo to brutally expose Xabi Alonso's men.

Celta were the better side, with Borja Iglesias and Bryan Zaragoza causing all sorts of problems for a defense that lost Eder Militao to injury in the first half.

Real Madrid's indiscipline then saw Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras both sent off after each saw two yellow cards inside barely a minute, while Endrick also saw red for his complaints from the dugout.

It was like one step forward and two steps back for Real Madrid and Alonso, and with Manchester City visiting the Bernabeu on Wednesday, they may find it difficult to thwart Pep Guardiola's side.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The injuries are one thing, but the indiscipline is unacceptable. Two red cards for the left-backs in a minute? Endrick getting sent off from the bench? This shows a lack of control. Alonso needs to sort out the mentality first.
A
Arjun K
As a Madridista from Mumbai, this is tough to watch. We beat Athletic Club 3-0 and then lose like this at home. It's the hope that kills you! Rudiger and Asencio will have to be superhuman against Haaland.
S
Sarah B
The medical team needs to be looked at. Militao has had two knee ops and now a hamstring. Is it just bad luck, or is there something wrong with the recovery and training load management? Wishing him a speedy recovery.
V
Vikram M
Forget the Supercup in Saudi Arabia. The immediate concern is Wednesday. Pep Guardiola must be licking his lips seeing our team sheet. We might have to play a midfielder in defense. Hala Madrid, but this is a crisis.
K
Karthik V
With all respect to Xabi Alonso the legend, the manager needs to take some blame. The team looked unprepared and mentally weak against Celta. The tactics were found out. A big reaction is needed now.

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