Real Madrid were plagued with injury issues since day one this season. Of course, injuries do happen in soccer, but when they keep piling up within this short length of time, it gets really worrying for the future of the team. The latest developments regarding Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy have only added fuel to a fire that was already turbulent due to key losses like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
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The Injury Situation
The latest and biggest blow is Dani Ceballos, who has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 ankle sprain, tearing ligaments in his right ankle. That kind of injury keeps any player out of action for about six to eight weeks, which means Ceballos will miss at least seven games-five of them in LaLiga and the first two in the Champions League. Just as Ceballos was getting into his rhythm and starting to carve out his role in the squad, he is now facing a race against time to get back into form.
Ferland Mendy was called off from international duties due to problems of his right tibia, and though the extent of Mendy's injury is not known, being called off is never good news. A return to Real Madrid is anxiously awaited so more tests can be carried out to get a clearer picture of the problem.
A Weakened Midfield
Injuries to these two players have weighed heavily on Real Madrid's midfield. First, it was Camavinga who got ruled out, and now he is joined on the sidelines by Ceballos, ensuring that crucial options are out of the engine room of the pitch. The midfield is what gives life to any given team; without them, Ancelotti will have his work cut out in ring changes that will, hopefully, keep his team competitive.
Another concern will be Tchouaméni, with his recent left foot injuries-a similar kind that kept him out for 16 games in the previous season. Once this problem recurs, Real Madrid might find themselves in a big pickle in midfield, in a sector that's already being stretched to its limits.
Impact on Schedule and Performance
It's back to business on September 14 with Real Sociedad, and even that match already is looking like it will be one of the biggest tasks this fairly weakened squad will face. The international break is a short-term reprieve, but the unforgiving nature of the European schedule, given the format change in the Champions League, may make every lost game a potential blow to ambitions for both La Liga and the Champions League.
Without Ceballos, and probably Mendy and Tchouaméni too, the rest are left with more pressure, which means high intensity is required, even when the options are not that many. All these absences are going to be very important to manage so Real Madrid will not lose ground in competitions in which they're usually forefront runners.
Challenges for Ancelotti
Experience and guile, Carlo Ancelotti now has an enormous task in front of him. Still early in the season, all sorts of problems mount up. Squad rotation will be essential, and Ancelotti will have to find a delicate balance while trying to keep the team competitive with the remaining players without overworking them.
Probably, the Italian coach should make smart rotation in the squad and give more time to either young talents or players that haven't played much. This can give freshness to the team, but it is also risky, especially in the crucial matches.
To Overcome or Collapse?
Real Madrid is at a crossroad. A season that started off full of hope off the pitch is already subject to some significant obstacles this far in the 2024/25 campaign. The injuries to key players have been testing the depth of this squad and Ancelotti's ability to keep this competitive.
The following months will be crucial for the club. Will Real Madrid be able to overcome this injury problem and stay on course, or will the weight of these absences finally be so heavy that they throw the team off course from their ambitions? What is certain is that the challenges are about to begin, and everything depends on how the club will manage such a sensitive situation.
Historically, Real Madrid has been about overcoming, but the need to show that they really can turn situations around is needed now more than ever. Of course, literally speaking, the fans are on the edge of their seats, awaiting how this Madrid giant will weather this storm.