Rudiger the Only Fit Center Back as Real Madrid Prepare for Villarreal

With Huijsen suspended and Konate, Asencio and Militao injured, Jose Mourinho is weighing Tchouameni, Dumfries or academy options at center back against Villarreal.

The international break is almost over, and when Real Madrid resume their campaign next weekend against Villarreal, they will do it short-handed in the middle of their defense. As reported by the Spanish outlet MARCA, Jose Mourinho has a single fit option at center back in Antonio Rudiger, and three possible routes to cover the gap for what looms as a testing assignment.

The shortage has several causes. Dean Huijsen must serve a one-match suspension, while Ibrahima Konate, who picked up a knock during the international break, will not recover in time to face Villarreal. Raul Asencio and Eder Militao are both out injured. Taken together, those absences leave Rudiger as the only recognized center back available to Mourinho.

The most likely fix is Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman has lined up at center back on many occasions and brings physicality, aerial strength, sound positional sense and calm on the ball, which would make him a dependable partner for Rudiger. Moving him into the back line would force few changes elsewhere in the team, and because he tends to play facing upfield, he could also help Real Madrid build out of the back more cleanly.

A less predictable option is Denzel Dumfries. The Dutchman has the strength and athleticism to deputize at center back when required, and Mourinho showed during preseason that he is willing to reach for unusual answers, having tried a back line pairing Dumfries with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer. His power and aggression could make him a workable, if surprising, solution against Villarreal.

With numbers that low, the situation could also create an opening for the academy. Mario Rivas, Joan Martinez and Diego Aguado are all candidates, and Mourinho has repeatedly said that young players are part of his plans. He stated at the start of the season that "the door is open," and after the Betis game he went further, saying that "as the season progresses, with suspensions and injuries, opportunities will obviously arise for them."

Rivas is viewed as the leading option from that group. A 19-year-old center back, he played the entire second half of preseason with the first team, and Mourinho praised both him and Martinez after the friendly against Fiorentina, calling them "two lads with a fantastic future." Martinez and Aguado remain in contention as well.

Mourinho's team sheet will now be examined closely when it is released. With four center-back options unavailable, the choice effectively comes down to moving Tchouameni into the back line, redeploying Dumfries or handing one of the club's teenagers a place in the side against Villarreal next weekend.

For viewers planning ahead, Global Sportscast's schedule lists Real Madrid away to Barcelona on Sunday, October 4, with kickoff at 1:00 PM EDT at Spotify Camp Nou.