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Real Madrid currently have issues in defence following the recent injury to David Alaba.

Alaba has been ruled out until the end of the season due to an ACL injury, and another key centre-back Eder Militao is still out due to the same injury.

Carlo Ancelotti has now revealed that midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni can come in as a cover in that position.

He said: “Tchouameni is the first option at centre-back. He did a great job against Osasuna.

“Of course it isn’t his natural position but this is an emergency and I think he can fill in.”

Speaking further on the fitness of his defenders, Ancelotti said: “Carvajal will train with the group on Tuesday but we won’t risk him.

“Mendy decided to come off because he felt a strain in his abductor and I was keen to replace him so it didn’t get any worse.”

On Militao and Thibaut Courtois, Ancelotti said: “Militão is recovering really well, as is Courtois. We haven’t thought about their returns yet but it could be before the end of the season.”

Ancelotti rounded up by saying: “All that’s on my mind now is winning Thursday’s game, resting up for a week on holiday and deciding who the goalkeeper is going to be against Mallorca.

“Lunin is one of our two starting goalkeepers. Kepa is the other. Vinicius, Camavinga and Arda Güler will be ready when we come back from the holidays.”