Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that his side will not be moving for a new centre-back during the January transfer window despite David Alaba's injury blow.
Alaba suffered a severe knee issue during Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Villarreal on December 17, and the Austria international will be absent until later this year.
Los Blancos have also been missing Eder Militao since August due to an ACL issue, with the Brazil international not expected to be available for selection until April at the earliest.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding a possible centre-back addition in January, while it was also suggested that 21-year-old Rafa Marin could be recalled from a loan spell at Alaves.
Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are the only senior options at centre-back, but Aurelien Tchouameni has been used in that area of the field, and Ancelotti has said that there will not be a defensive addition in January.
© Reuters
"We are missing two very important centre-backs but we won't sign in January. We have Nacho and Rudiger, plus there are others who could fill that position," Ancelotti told reporters during his press conference ahead of the La Liga clash with Mallorca.
Ancelotti also addressed the situation surrounding the players who will be out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez all only have deals until June, and the Real Madrid head coach has hinted that it will be up to the players to decide if they wish to sign extensions.
"There are players who finish their contracts and they will decide what to do," Ancelotti added on Tuesday, with the team preparing to return to action following the winter break.
© Reuters
"We won't have to touch many things because the team is defined, in a good direction and with young players who have a lot to contribute."
Kroos and Vazquez are both expected to sign new contracts at Bernabeu, but Modric is believed to be planning to depart, with the Croatian wanting regular starts at this stage of his career.
There have also been claims that Nacho, who is suspended for Wednesday's La Liga clash with Mallorca, could move on, with MLS clubs said to be interested in his signature.
Real Madrid entered the winter break off the back of a 1-0 win over Alaves, and the capital giants are top of the La Liga table, boasting 45 points from their opening 18 matches of the campaign.
