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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Spanish giants without Carvajal and Militao</li><li>But are not planning winter signings</li><li>Ancelotti will tinker with his squad instead</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Real Madrid's January transfer plans revealed as Carlo Ancelotti plots role change amid defensive injury crisis

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Real Madrid

<p>Ancelotti is not expecting Madrid to dip into the transfer window this winter despites losing key defenders <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/dani-carvajal-posts-update-ambulance-horror-injury-real-madrid-villarreal/blt8bba82c79eab7188" target="_blank">Dani Carvajal</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-eder-militao-suffers-acl-injury-second-time-just-over-a-year-surgery-confirmed/blt4553b5c2d90d9e2e" target="_blank">Eder Militao</a> to season-ending injuries, according to <a href="https://www.relevo.com/futbol/mercado-fichajes/ancelotti-preve-invierno-fichajes-cuenta-20241117000353-nt.html" target="_blank"><em>Relevo</em></a>. Los Blancos are not interested in participating in an "inflated market" and want the Italian to simply use the resources he has available to him from now until the end of the season.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>All of which means that Ancelotti is planning a major role change in a bid to fortify his defence. The Madrid boss has decided that France international Aurelien Tchouameni will play at centre-back until Militao returns, while exciting youngster Raul Asencio will step up and become part of the first team. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-aurelien-tchouameni-centre-backs-carlo-ancelotti/blt639ac52e35d4fade#cs68a0c2feb43844d7" target="_blank">Ancelotti has used Tchouameni</a> in defence before and has previously claimed he "has all the qualities to be one of the best centre-backs in the world". Moving Tchouameni into defence also means that Eduardo Camavinga will be able to play in his preferred pivot position in midfield.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Madrid's defensive options could also be boosted soon by the return to fitness of David Alaba. The Austrian has been out with a serious knee injury for almost 12 months but is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in January 2025, according to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/alaba-lo-cambia-todo-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS</em></a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Los Blancos are back in action after the international break on Sunday when they take on Leganes in La Liga. Ancelotti's men then head to Anfield for a blockbuster Champions League clash with Liverpool.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

Real Madrid's January transfer plans revealed as Carlo Ancelotti plots role change amid defensive injury crisis | Goal.com Nigeria

Real Madrid have been hit hard by defensive injuries but will not make signings in January, meaning Carlo Ancelotti will have to get creative.