Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned that his side are in a state of “emergency” after suffering further injury setbacks ahead of a crucial period.

The reigning Spanish and European champions have struggled with fitness issues throughout the campaign but were dealt two enormous blows in recent daysfollowing injuries to centre-back duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

Madrid’s imperious German suffered a thigh injury during Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Espanyol in La Liga, withdrawn after just 15 minutes in Catalonia. Alaba, who only recently returned after an ACL tear, has joined him in the treatment room following an adductor injury in his left leg.

“Unfortunately we have lost two important players and it is something we have not considered,” said the forlorn Italian coach.

“Alaba was going to play [vs Leganes] but something happened that we have not considered. It is a moment of emergency that we have to endure. We will endure with what we have.”

With Madrid already missing Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao in defence, Ancelotti will have to conjure up an effective solution for this Saturday’s crunch clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Ancelotti may have to get similarly creative for next week’s Champions League play-off first leg with Manchester City, likely fielding Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio as starting centre-backs at the Etihad Stadium if Rudiger and Alaba miss out.

Despite suffering yet another injury setback, Alaba shared an optimistic message on Instagram regarding his recovery. The Austrian stated: “Minor setback. See you very soon Madridistas.”

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were also absent during Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with Leganes following knocks sustained against Espanyol. However, both should return for the weekend battle with Atletico.

Madrid’s weekend defeat means they are just one point ahead of Atletico heading into the upcoming duel, while Barcelona are primed to take advantage of dropped points when they meet Sevilla on Sunday.

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