According to Sport, Real Madrid's defence is facing fresh troubles. New signing Konaté suffered an injury while on international duty, disrupting the team's defensive plans. Manager Mourinho is forced to make urgent decisions as multiple centre-backs are unavailable amid a packed fixture schedule ahead.

Real Madrid's centre-back problems have persisted for years. A solid defence has been the foundation for Los Blancos' recent major titles. The most effective centre-back pairing recently was Rüdiger and Nacho, who formed a formidable partnership during the decisive stages of the 2023/24 season and started in the Champions League final against Dortmund. That was Real Madrid's last major trophy, and since then the club has tried various combinations without success.

This summer, Konaté's arrival was expected to bring change, but those plans were derailed by his injury while playing for France. According to Real Madrid's official injury report on 24 September, the French centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee. Real Madrid has not set a return date, but initial estimates suggest he will be sidelined for two to three weeks. His availability for the Villarreal match remains uncertain, depending on his recovery progress, and the club does not want to take risks during his rehabilitation.

Past experiences with Militão and Rüdiger have forced Mourinho to think creatively and explore selection options for this critical position. The German centre-back is the only senior centre-back Mourinho can rely on. Huijsen is suspended after being sent off in the derby, Asensio has just undergone surgery for a right tibia fracture caused by overuse, and Militão is still recovering.

In this situation, the manager is considering moving Tchouaméni to centre-back or promoting players from the academy to form a centre-back pairing. Mourinho may also look to Real Madrid Castilla for solutions. In fact, he personally attended the derby against Atlético Madrid. Mario Rivas featured prominently in pre-season and, having earned the Portuguese coach's trust, is the most likely replacement option. Joan Martínez is another option known to the manager, though his reduced role in the youth team weakens his prospects. Diego Aguado adds further depth to a defence forced to find solutions due to injuries and suspensions.

Real Madrid's patched-up defence will face its first test against Villarreal, as the "Yellow Submarine" has rediscovered form before the international break. Iñigo Pérez's side, after a shaky start, secured back-to-back wins against Málaga and Levante, scoring three goals in each match. This resurgence comes thanks to Morales playing as an attacking midfielder, Ahamada seeing more action, and Ayoze operating as a centre-forward.

The manager must decide whether to persist with this effective tactical combination at the Bernabéu. With the challenge looming, Mourinho is focused on improving defensive balance. The Portuguese coach used the international break to specifically address the defensive lapses exposed in the Atlético derby, but he will have to test his improvements with a makeshift defence and virtually no room for tactical adjustments during the match.

Villarreal opens Real Madrid's hectic schedule of five matches in 15 days: they will then face Roma, Sevilla, and Leipzig in succession, followed by El Clásico. This period demands Real Madrid regain the stability that has been lacking, especially with injuries once again threatening the defence. Mourinho needs this emergency plan to consolidate the work done during the international break. Bringing Tchouaméni into defence also means the midfield will need adjustment; relying on young players demands they respond immediately in a relentless schedule. The selection process has begun, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Integrating exhausted international players is never easy, especially following the aftermath of the derby, and this will test the resilience of a squad still searching for its identity and facing its first real crisis.

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