Zinedine Zidane facing defensive nightmare as Real Madrid boss loses Sergio Ramos AND Raphael Varane to injury with first-choice pairing hobbling off on international duty
- Real Madrid may be without three centre backs after the international break
- Sergio Ramos was taken off in the 43rd minute of Spain’s 6-0 win over Germany
- Raphael Varane was subbed off at half-time during France’s 4-2 win over Sweden
- Madrid are missing third-choice defender Eder Militao due to Covid-19
- Should they all remain unavailable, defensive duties will fall to Nacho
Real Madrid are facing a defensive dilemma after both of their first-choice centre backs – Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane – were injured on international duty.
Ramos was taken off in the 43rd minute of Spain’s 6-0 victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League, while Varane was substituted for France at half-time against Sweden on Tuesday night.
To add to Zinedine Zidane’s headache, Madrid are also missing their third-choice centre back Eder Militao, after he tested positive for coronavirus on November 2.
Real Madrid may be without their top three centre backs after the international break, after Sergio Ramos (seated) was injured during Spain’s victory over Germany on Tuesday night
Raphael Varane (right) was subbed off at half-time during France’s 4-2 win over Sweden
Ramos became the most capped European player ever on Saturday by featuring in his 178th international, but failed to complete the game.
Ramos was seen gesturing to the back of his right thigh as he limped off following the half-time break.
Thankfully, Spain were already 3-0 up after Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Rodri found the net.
A statement from the Spanish Football Federation admitted that the Ramos was suffering from ‘severe discomfort in his right hamstring’, while manager Luis Enrique played down his injury, saying it wasn’t ‘too serious’.
‘We don’t believe the injuries are too serious or important,’ Luis Enrique said at his post-match press conference.
‘But it’s still an unpleasant moment for everyone. I feel bad for their clubs but this is how it is,’ he added.
Ramos (centre) was taken off in the 43rd minute of the game with a hamstring problem
Madrid will also miss third-choice centre back Eder Militao after he tested positive for Covid-19
It is believed Ramos will undergo further tests on Wednesday and an assessment of his injury will be made following the results.
Meanwhile, Varane – who came off during France’s 4-2 victory over Sweden in Paris – has hamstring problems of his own.
France national team coach Didier Deschamps confirmed his injury, saying: ‘[Lucas] Hernandez and Varane came off because they had little problems.’
Zidane will be hoping both injuries are minor and each of them will be fit on their return to Real Madrid as the Spanish champions have an important run of games coming up.
His side are set to face second-placed Villarreal on Saturday, following the international break.
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have a tough run of fixtures following the international break
Defensive duties many fall to Nacho (left) – who has only just returned from injury himself
Should Zidane’s side emerge victorious they will move within a point of early leaders Real Sociedad at the top of the table.
Madrid will go on to face Deportivo Alaves and Sevilla before continuing their Champions League campaign.
Sitting just one point behind Group B leaders Borussia Monchengladbach, Madrid will be looking to beat Shakhtar Donetsk away before seeing out the group stages against Gladbach.
Madrid will intend to carry on their European momentum as they return to their derby clash with Atletico Madrid.
Should Ramos, Varane and Militao remain unavailable for Zidane, Madrid’s defensive responsibility could fall to Nacho – who has only just returned from injury himself.
