Real Madrid Faces Espanyol Amid Defensive Crisis on September 20

Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid will host Espanyol on September 20 in La Liga, with coach Xabi Alonso grappling with significant selection dilemmas due to injuries and suspensions affecting his defense.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain sidelined for the next six weeks due to a hamstring injury, and Antonio Rudiger is ruled out until 2026. Dean Huijsen will also miss the match due to a suspension following a controversial red card earned last weekend. This situation has left Alonso with limited defensive options.

Dani Carvajal is expected to start at right-back, while Eder Militao will take one center-back position. Raul Asencio is likely to partner Militao, given his experience and recent match fitness.

Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick have returned to training, but it is anticipated that they may not start, though they could play a few minutes during the game. Bellingham, recovering from shoulder surgery, could make a late appearance.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois remains pivotal, having recorded two clean sheets in his last three matches. Carvajal and Militao will lead a reshaped defense, while Álvaro Carreras will take on the left-back role.

Midfielder Fede Valverde is under pressure to deliver as he hasn’t been at his best recently but will likely start due to the injuries. Aurélien Tchouaméni could play as a center-back, a move Alonso has previously used, jeopardizing his midfield strengths.

On the wings, Vinicius Junior is anticipated to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Marseille, following Alonso’s comments about his improved morale in practice.

Kylian Mbappé, who has scored multiple goals this season, will lead the attack. He recently scored two penalties against Marseille, bringing his tally to six goals in five games.

Espanyol, meanwhile, comes into the match sitting third in La Liga, boasting an unbeaten record alongside several notable victories, including against Atlético Madrid. Manager Manolo González will have to navigate without his top scorer Pere Milla, who is suspended after receiving a red card.

The match promises to be a critical contest for both teams, especially for Real Madrid as they aim to maintain their perfect league record. Kickoff is set for September 20 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.