Carlo Ancelotti announces Real Madrid decision that could change everything in January

Injuries continue to plague Real Madrid this season, with the latest blow being the loss of Dani Carvajal, who is out for the remainder of the season. During a press conference on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the club’s unexpected decision regarding this situation.

Real Madrid has been hit hard by injuries early in the season. While David Alaba, injured since December 2023, is still recovering, the club has faced additional setbacks. Along with players like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz, Dani Carvajal now joins the list of key players sidelined. Carvajal suffered a severe injury against Villarreal just before the international break, tearing three ligaments and ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Despite this, Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Real Madrid will not be making any January signings to replace Carvajal. Instead, the coach plans to rely on Lucas Vazquez, a versatile player who will now serve as the primary right-back for the remainder of the season. Ancelotti expressed confidence in Vazquez, noting his dynamic play and reliability whenever called upon. He also hinted at giving opportunities to young players from Real Madrid’s Castilla academy to support Vazquez.

“I haven’t asked for reinforcements for the winter. Last year, we managed injuries well, and I believe we will do the same this season,” Ancelotti said. When pressed by journalists about possible January transfers, he left the door open but emphasized that finding the right player is difficult: “If we find the right player for Real Madrid, we don’t exclude signing him. But of course, finding the right one is not easy.”

One of the longer-term strategies for Real Madrid involves targeting Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English full-back, whose contract with Liverpool expires in June, has been linked with a move to the Bernabéu, with Real Madrid reportedly ready to secure his signature. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool may be open to letting Alexander-Arnold leave next summer, and Real Madrid is closely monitoring the situation.

Ancelotti’s comments suggest that Real Madrid is content to wait until June, when they could potentially sign Alexander-Arnold for free. For now, the club is sticking to its decision not to make any signings in January, focusing on internal solutions and the possibility of welcoming Alexander-Arnold next summer.