Real Madrid's Defense Crumbles Into Chaos Before Crucial Man City Showdown

Real Madrid's injury crisis deepened significantly on Sunday night when central defender Éder Militão sustained what looked like a severe hamstring problem during the team's 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo.

The Brazilian defender overstretched while attempting to halt Los Celestes forward Pablo Durán during a counter-attack in the opening period of the La Liga match and instantly collapsed in agony, grasping the rear of his left leg.

Militão received treatment from Real Madrid's medical team and required their support to leave the field. The defender was substituted by Antonio Rüdiger in the 24th minute as the home crowd at the Bernabéu observed in concerned silence.

AS indicates Militão will undergo examinations within the next 48 hours to assess the extent of the injury, though there is significant "pessimism" at the club regarding his recovery prospects. The 27-year-old could face up to three months on the sidelines if the problem proves as serious as anticipated.

Should Militão remain in the treatment room, he will miss Real Madrid's Champions League encounter against Manchester City on Wednesday night. The Brazilian adds to an injury list that already includes Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy.

Alonso will be hoping Huijsen can return for the high-profile European fixture, but without him, the Spanish manager will need to field another improvised defensive setup, probably featuring Federico Valverde at right-back and Raúl Asencio alongside Rüdiger in central defense.

Alonso Missing Seven Defenders for Alavés Match Next Sunday

Real Madrid's defensive problems will intensify further next weekend in La Liga, regardless of whether Huijsen rejoins Alonso's available players. Beyond the previously mentioned injured stars, the team will also be without Fran García and Álvaro Carreras.

Both left-backs received unnecessary dismissals in Los Blancos' surprising defeat to Celta Vigo, resulting in at least a one-match ban in La Liga competition. Alonso will therefore have no natural fullbacks at his disposal for the visit to Mendizorroza.

Valverde will probably shift back to the right wing while Eduardo Camavinga might be selected at left-back, returning to the makeshift position he occupied under Carlo Ancelotti.

The positive aspect for the 15-time European champions is that García and Carreras remain eligible for the Man City Champions League tie since their dismissals occurred in domestic competition.