According to AS, Real Madrid are facing a situation in which only 3 fit center-backs are available at the start of the league campaign. The injuries to Militao and Asensio have created opportunities for Real Madrid Castilla’s youth players to break into the first team.

Injuries have once again weakened Real Madrid's defense, leaving the club with only 3 first-team center-backs available at the start of the league season. With Militao still recovering from an injury sustained last season and Asensio unfortunately injured during preseason, the team will have to rely on Heijsen, Rüdiger, and Konate in the opening matches.

A bright spot this summer has been the emergence of Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas, two youth players who have delivered impressive performances under Mourinho. Although the Portuguese coach has 5 center-backs available, two of them will miss the league opener against Espanyol.

Regarding the specific injuries, Militao underwent surgery at the end of last season for a biceps femoris muscle injury in his left leg. The Brazilian defender is currently training individually at Valdebebas. Given his injury history, the club is taking a cautious approach to his recovery. Asensio has a rectus femoris tear in his right leg and is expected to be sidelined for 6 weeks, with a potential return in mid-September.

Given the injury situation, Mourinho can currently rely on only 3 first-team center-backs. Konate, who only joined training on August 10th, will have two weeks to adjust before the league starts, including a warm-up match against Schalke. Real Madrid brought him in this summer primarily because of his injury record, having played 51, 41, and 37 games in his previous three seasons, respectively.

The second option is Heijsen. Although he missed the first official warm-up match due to minor muscle discomfort, he played 40 games last season, making him the center-back with the most minutes in the team. The third is Rüdiger. Despite missing time last season with a knee injury, he played 45 minutes in the warm-up match against Ferencváros and started against Deportivo La Coruña.

Rüdiger has consistently earned the trust of successive coaches and will undoubtedly remain a key part of Real Madrid's defense this season. However, with two center-backs already on the injury list before the season officially begins, concerns have understandably resurfaced among fans. Fortunately, the youth academy has provided timely solutions, and Real Madrid Castilla players have impressed Mourinho.

Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas both started the first two preseason matches. While Mourinho praised their performances, he also identified areas for improvement. At the start of the new league season, one of these two youth players will be included in the matchday squad as the fourth center-back. Joan Martínez is among the most highly anticipated prospects, dubbed "the new Ramos," and is a key player in Real Madrid's development plans at Valdebebas. His growth trajectory and preseason form have given the club confidence that he will be the first choice for promotion when needed.

The alternative is Mario Rivas. The center-back scored his first goal for the first team with a header from Alexis Ciria's cross against Ferencváros, underlining his strong form. The goal marked a temporary peak in his impressive summer. Mourinho handed him consecutive starts against Fiorentina and Ferencváros and arranged opportunities for him to face strong opposition, including Moise Kean, to gain experience. As part of his development, the coaching staff have given him the same message as Martínez: if the team needs him, he will be ready for the league opener.

Overall, Real Madrid's coaching staff will begin the league campaign with a minimal center-back contingent. While the injuries to Militao and Asensio reduce the pressure on the fit players to start, they have also created opportunities for two promising young players from Real Madrid Castilla who impressed in preseason. Both are expected to provide support in the match against Espanyol if needed.

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