### Real Madrid Faces Defensive Crisis as Key Players Sidelined with Injuries Real Madrid is grappling with a significant injury crisis as defenders Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are both facing potential season-ending injuries. Mendy suffered a rupture in his right thigh during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, while Alaba has been limited to just seven appearances this season due to ongoing injury issues. This situation compounds the challenges for the team, which is already missing other key defenders, including Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, as they prepare for the final stretch of the season and upcoming competitions [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/real-defenders-mendy-and-alaba-sidelined-injuries-5097936, https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/real-madrid-injury-update-david-alaba-joins-antonio-rudiger-and-ferland-mendy-in-defensive-crisis]. ### Overview of the Injury Situation 1. **Injuries to Key Defenders**: - Ferland Mendy: Suffered a thigh injury during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, confirmed to be a rupture [https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/reals-mendy-sidelined-with-thigh-injury-2025-04-29]. - David Alaba: Recently confirmed to have a knee injury, adding to the defensive woes [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6321709/2025/04/29/david-alaba-real-madrid-injury-update]. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: - The absence of Mendy and Alaba significantly weakens Real Madrid's defense, which is already missing other players like Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6321709/2025/04/29/david-alaba-real-madrid-injury-update]. - The team is considering potential signings to bolster their defense for the upcoming season [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6321019/2025/04/29/real-madrid-ferland-mendy-injury]. 3. **Upcoming Matches and Challenges**: - Real Madrid is set to face critical matches in La Liga and the Club World Cup, where the absence of key players could hinder their performance [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3364091-real-madrids-defensive-woes-mendy-joins-injury-list]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Injury Crisis - **Injury Timeline**: - Mendy's injury occurred on April 29, 2025, during the Copa del Rey final [https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/reals-mendy-sidelined-with-thigh-injury-2025-04-29]. - Alaba's injury was confirmed shortly after, with limited appearances throughout the season [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/real-madrid-injury-update-david-alaba-joins-antonio-rudiger-and-ferland-mendy-in-defensive-crisis]. - **Current Defensive Lineup**: - With Mendy and Alaba out, Real Madrid's defensive options are severely limited, prompting discussions about potential summer signings [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6321019/2025/04/29/real-madrid-ferland-mendy-injury]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Real Madrid In summary, Real Madrid is facing a **critical moment** as injuries to key defenders Ferland Mendy and David Alaba threaten their season ambitions. The team is now forced to navigate a challenging schedule with a depleted defense, which could impact their performance in both domestic and international competitions. 1. **Injuries to Mendy and Alaba** are confirmed and could be season-ending. 2. **Defensive depth is compromised**, with other key players also sidelined. 3. **Future matches** will be crucial, and the club may need to consider reinforcements for the upcoming season. This situation underscores the importance of squad depth and injury management as Real Madrid aims to maintain its competitive edge in the final weeks of the season [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/real-defenders-mendy-and-alaba-sidelined-injuries-5097936, https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/real-madrid-injury-update-david-alaba-joins-antonio-rudiger-and-ferland-mendy-in-defensive-crisis].