Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed his squad is in a “total emergency” following injuries to several key players.
The LaLiga champions are facing a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday’s derby against Atlético Madrid.
After a shock defeat to Espanyol last week, Ancelotti’s men will be overtaken by their rivals if they win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid are dealing with recent injuries to David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.
Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out long term with ACL injuries.
Ancelotti said: “We are in a total emergency situation. Alaba, Rüdiger, Carvajal, Militão.
“You think I wouldn’t like to use Valverde in midfield? Tchouaméni in midfield? Or Carvajal? Militão and Alaba? Of course, I would like it.
“We have to continue with what we have.”
