Real Madrid have decided against the signing of a centre-back in the January transfer window as defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni agreed to fill the gap at the back, reported MARCA on Tuesday.
As per the report, Los Blancos are not convinced by the available options in the January window and the club doesn’t intend to make an impulsive purchase which may not be suitable for the future.
Tchouameni, who has previously played as a centre-back on occasion, gave his approval to head coach Carlo Ancelotti to help out the team during the injury crisis.
Madrid will take on RCD Mallorca at Santiago Bernabeu on January 3 and Tchouameni will partner with Antonio Rudiger at the back.
Earlier, MARCA reported that After repeatedly saying Kepa Arrizabalaga is his first choice for the starting goalkeeper, Ancelotti decided to keep Andriy Lunin as the goalkeeper for the upcoming clash in La Liga.
In nine matches played this season, Lunin only conceded five goals while Kepa started in 15 matches and allowed 12 inside his goal, that may be the reason behind the Italian’s new choice of goalkeeper
It is worth mentioning that Los Blancos are having a difficult time dealing with injuries. During the match against Villarreal on December 18, David Alaba became the third player after Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois to tear his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and was ruled out eight months of action.
Los Blancos are now left with only two natural centre-backs in the squad, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez, with the latter suspended for the match against Mallorca after picking up a red card against Alaves.
Real Madrid’s injury list and their expected return time
Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal (training with the team, return in Early January)
Ferland Mendy (Mid-January)
Eduardo Camavinga (Mid/Late January)
Eder Miltao (Late February/Early March)
Thibaut Courtois (April)
David Alaba (August/September)