Real Madrid faced a challenging match against Osasuna, not only securing a 4-0 victory but also dealing with significant injury setbacks. Éder Militão suffered a torn ACL, while teammates Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez are likely to be sidelined for three to four weeks due to their injuries.
Reports suggest that Militão will be out for approximately nine months, a substantial blow considering he missed a large part of last season due to a similar knee injury. In addition, this marks the fourth ACL injury for a Madrid player in the past year, raising concerns about the club’s injury management. In the match, Vinícius Júnior scored an impressive hat trick, and Jude Bellingham also found the net, but the injuries shadowed the team’s performance.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment regarding the injuries, emphasizing the challenging match calendar that contributes to players not getting adequate rest, resulting in a higher risk of injuries. During the match, Rodrygo was replaced in the 20th minute, Militão left the field on a stretcher just ten minutes later, and Vázquez followed at halftime. These injuries leave Madrid in a precarious defensive situation, especially with Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois already out due to injuries.
Ancelotti acknowledged the talent within the club’s academy, highlighting Raúl Asencio’s potential contributions as they navigate this difficult period. The coach is also hesitant to speculate about possible January signings, preferring to focus on assessing the team’s options in the coming months.
Rodrygo, who had just overcome a hamstring injury himself, expressed his heartbreak over his teammates’ misfortune, revealing the emotional strain that these injuries have placed on the team.
Despite the recent setbacks, Real Madrid’s victory is a positive note as they look to regroup during their upcoming two-week break. They will face Leganés next and are set to travel to Anfield to challenge Liverpool in the Champions League, offering the team opportunities to perform well in pivotal matches. This resilience in overcoming injuries and continuing to compete maintains hope for the club’s chances as they pursue success this season.
In summary, while the win over Osasuna boosted morale, the injuries have raised critical questions about player health and depth going forward. The club’s management and coaching staff will have to carefully navigate the remaining fixtures while coping with numerous injuries.