Real Madrid’s Growing Injury Crisis: Rodrygo and Vazquez Join Long List of Absentees

Real Madrid’s injury woes continue to mount, with key players Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez both set for spells on the sidelines. The duo sustained muscle injuries during Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Osasuna, compounding an already strained squad.

This fresh blow comes after the club had already been dealing with multiple injuries, including the serious ACL tear suffered by Éder Militão. With several crucial players out of action, head coach Carlo Ancelotti faces an uphill battle to manage his squad over the coming weeks.

Rodrygo and Vazquez Injured During Osasuna Win

The match against Osasuna on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez both forced to leave the field in the first half due to injury. Rodrygo, who had just returned to action after recovering from a hamstring issue, was substituted in the 20th minute. His injury is reportedly related to a rectus abdominis strain in his left leg. Following tests, Real Madrid announced that Rodrygo’s recovery could take between five and six weeks.

Despite having a limited role this season, with just 667 minutes in La Liga, Rodrygo has made a significant impact, scoring three goals and registering one assist. He also ranks third in the squad for dribbles completed (14) and crosses attempted (22), demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s offensive play.

On the other hand, Vazquez, who had been filling in at right-back due to Dani Carvajal’s absence, was substituted at half-time after suffering an injury to his left adductor longus. His recovery time is expected to be around one month, which leaves Ancelotti with another headache in defense.

A Defense Riddled with Injuries

Rodrygo and Vazquez’s injuries are just the latest in a long list of absentees for Real Madrid. Most concerning is the news that Éder Militão, who was forced off with a knee injury just minutes after Rodrygo, has torn his ACL. The Brazilian defender is now expected to be sidelined for up to nine months, a devastating blow for both the player and the team.

Militão’s injury marks the fourth ACL tear for a Real Madrid player in just over a year, following similar injuries to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba. Courtois, who is recovering from a thigh injury, and Alaba, still not fully recovered from his own issues, will be missed as Madrid continue to navigate this injury crisis.

Strain on Real Madrid’s Squad Depth

With Carvajal already out for the season and Alaba not yet match-fit, Ancelotti faces a serious shortage in defense. Vazquez’s absence further complicates matters at right-back, leaving Madrid with fewer options. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who occasionally fills in at the back, is also dealing with an ankle sprain, further reducing Ancelotti’s available players.

“We have to thank the academy for the work they’ve done with [Raúl Asencio],” Ancelotti said after the match, referring to the young Castilla player who was called up to fill in for Militão. “Raúl has been doing well with Castilla and now he’ll be with us.” While the addition of Asencio provides some relief, it is clear that Madrid are stretched thin in several positions.

Team’s Emotional Response to the Injury Crisis

Following the match, Brahim Díaz, who replaced Rodrygo, expressed his emotional reaction to the growing injury list. “I don’t want to talk about it because it hurts me to see my teammates crying,” Díaz said. “It breaks my heart. I’ve come back from a long injury and now it’s their turn. It seems like they could be longer than usual.”

Such sentiments reflect the atmosphere within the squad, with players clearly impacted by the string of injuries affecting their teammates. As Madrid continues to deal with these setbacks, the emotional toll on the team is palpable, with a sense of solidarity being shared across the dressing room.

Can Madrid Cope Without Their Stars?

With several key players sidelined, Ancelotti now faces a major challenge in balancing squad rotation and maintaining performance levels. However, he remains optimistic, stating, “We’ll assess it in the coming months,” in response to questions about potential January signings. Madrid’s immediate focus will be on coping with the injuries at hand, as the team prepares for a two-week break before facing Leganés on November 24 and then traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Champions League on November 27.

Real Madrid will need to dig deep and rely on their squad depth to continue competing at the highest level. With so many injuries, the club will be hoping that their academy products, like Asencio, can step up in the coming weeks.

As the weeks progress, Madrid’s injury crisis may prompt further changes in the transfer market, but for now, the focus is on getting the existing players back to full fitness and continuing their campaign despite these setbacks.

Official Statements on Injuries

Real Madrid also released official statements regarding the injuries to all the three players:

• Militao: “Following tests carried out today on Eder Militão by Real Madrid’s medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with damage to both meniscuses in his right leg. Militão will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
• Rodrygo: “Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Rodrygo, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus abdominis muscle in his left leg. His progress will be monitored.”
• Lucas Vazquez: “Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s Medical Services on our player Lucas Vázquez, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the adductor longus of his left leg. His progress will be monitored.”

As these injury concerns continue to unfold, Real Madrid’s resilience will be tested as they aim to remain competitive amidst mounting challenges.

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