Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti knows that it wasn't easy to beat Osasuna. Despite the 4-0 scoreline, the match was marked by Éder Militão's serious injury. The Brazilian center-back has broken his knee again and will be out for the rest of the season.
Given this scenario, Florentino has already put his scouts to work actively to try to find a solution in the January transfer market. While this is not his style, the president is aware that he has no other choice, so he'll sign in the next window. There are many candidates but it seems that, after listening to Carlo Ancelotti, there's already a chosen one.
Carlo Ancelotti's Bet Has Conditions
There has been a lot of talk about the possible return of Sergio Ramos. The possibility of bringing in a proven center-back such as Bastoni, Jonathan Tah or Laporte is also being rumored. Despite this, the player that Florentino Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti like the most is Castello Lukeba from Leipzig. However, he isn't the one who will ultimately take Éder Militão's place either.
As Carlo Ancelotti admitted to the media after the match against Osasuna, Madrid has found a treasure at La Fábrica: Raúl Asencio. The youth-team player did more than passing his first big test, showing defensive solidity that contributed to Madrid's victory.
However, the conditions of his participation in the first team are clear: he will only play when the first-team defenders are absent. This agreement reflects Carlo Ancelotti's intention to give opportunities to youngsters, while keeping the hierarchy in the squad.
Raúl Asencio will Take Militão's place, but He Has an Expiration Date
For Carlo Ancelotti, having Raúl Asencio as an option in defense is an advantage in times of emergency. However, the coach knows that, for the big games, he needs a top-class reinforcement. The priority remains to sign in January, although Asencio has so far performed outstandingly.
Carlo Ancelotti himself expressed his satisfaction with Raúl Asencio's performance, saying that "we are going to need him." These statements reflect his commitment to continue giving him minutes. Yet again, it always depends on the physical condition of Rüdiger and Tchouaméni. The corpulent pair formed by the German and the Frenchman already shared many minutes last season. Surely, they'll have to play together again after the international break.