A new injury in Real Madrid's defence

Real Madrid C.F.

All clear

37

Konaté
6.080.000€+40.000€6

J8

8

J7

5

J6

2

J5

3

J4

DF

00

The news could have been a bucket of cold water at Valdebebas, but it ended up being just a scare. The reality is that Konaté returned to Madrid after suffering discomfort during training on this same Wednesday and withdrawing to prevent a worse injury. The same day, he underwent a magnetic resonance scan that showed he has a mild sprain in his right knee. If there are no setbacks, he could even be available after the international break and play against Villarreal on October 10.

Rüdiger and Tchouameni, the most logical duo in case of emergency

36

Rüdiger
2.840.000€+30.000€8

J8

13

J7

-

J6

7

J5

-

J4

DF

01

20

Tchouaméni
4.460.000€+170.000€6

J8

4

J7

5

J6

5

J5

-

J4

MD

00

The German has wrapped up his spell with his national team and can now focus 100% on Real Madrid. The centre-back is not the preferred choice of Mourinho , but he always delivers when he is needed. Theoretically, Rüdiger and Konaté will form the backbone of Madrid's defence in the Matchday 8 clash against Huijsen's suspension, but if that is not the case, Tchouaméni could move back into his position and play as a centre-back like he did during Ancelotti's time in charge, from the bench. Raúl Asencio has been part of the group dynamic for several weeks, but he remains untested in La Liga. It seems hard to think he would be the one chosen to partner Rüdiger if they do not want to take a risk with Konaté. The same applies to Diego Aguado. The academy player is another option, but he has also not had any minutes so far this season. The match against Villarreal is more than just three points for Real Madrid, who, if they slip up, could find themselves pulled away from the race for the league title in October, with the Clasico looming just around the corner. 

Fantasy-wise, caution... and a touch of optimism

The most plausible scenario is that Konaté will be 100% fit for Villarreal. More than two weeks are still to go, and the estimated recovery time for the Frenchman is shorter. That said, we should not forget that he has already suffered two injuries in the same knee; the first kept him out for more than two months, and the second for almost a month and a half. You have to be very careful. In the words of doctor Ripoll himself to MARCA, "it is a situation that you have to know how to manage". 

Mourinho's Mourinho press conference could also be key in deciding whether we should opt for Konaté in our starting XI. The Portuguese coach's comments could be decisive in making one choice or the other.