Zidane struggling to shore up Real defence

REAL MADRID coach Zinedine Zidane admitted injuries will force him into patching up a makeshift defence for tomorrow’s visit of Sevilla after Raphael Varane joined an increasing list of absentees.

The French international limped off holding his left leg as Madrid edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a Champions League thriller yesterday.

However, with the defending champions already having secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League behind Tottenham Hotspur in Group H, Zidane was more concerned with how Varane’s absence could affect a busy end to the year for Real.

After Sevilla, Zidane’s men jet off to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup before hosting Barcelona in the Clasico on December 23.

Saturday is the French coach’s primary concern, though, with Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro all suspended, while Jesus Vallejo is also sidelined by injury leaving Nacho as Real’s only fit centreback.

“With Rafa he has done some damage to himself, but we will see tomorrow when we do the scans as always,” said Zidane.

“He won’t be there Saturday that is for sure. We have to look for solutions.”

Real have precious little room for error as they already trail La Liga leaders Barca by eight points.

And further forward, Madrid could again be without Gareth Bale due to a calf problem.

“I feel for the injured players, today it is Rafa but that is why we have a squad,” added Zidane.

However, the French coach didn’t rule out the possibility that the latest spate of injuries could force the club to reinforce the squad come January.

“We have the possibility (to sign) from January 1 and we will see what happens in these 30 days.”

Madrid could face the likes of Paris SaintGermain, Manchester City, Manchester United or Liverpool in Monday’s last-16 draw.

However, Ronaldo believes the 12-time winners are capable of an upturn in form in the new year to carry them to a third straight Champions League title. – AFP