Real Madrid have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the season’s climax, with confirmation that Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga will miss the remainder of the campaign — including the highly anticipated Club World Cup. The news compounds an already worrying injury list for Carlo Ancelotti, who is running out of senior defenders as the team enters the final stretch of the La Liga title race.

Mendy was forced off in the opening minutes of Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, and tests have since revealed a tear in the proximal rectus femoris tendon of his right quadriceps. The Frenchman faces a recovery time of at least two and a half months, effectively ruling him out until preseason.

Meanwhile, Camavinga — who has been a versatile asset for Ancelotti this season, often filling in at left-back — is also out for the rest of the season. His absence is a significant loss not only for Madrid’s midfield depth but also for their tactical flexibility.

These setbacks come as Madrid’s defensive unit is already stretched thin. Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao are all on the treatment table. While Rüdiger’s recent meniscus surgery offers a glimmer of hope for his Club World Cup involvement, the timelines for Carvajal and Militao remain uncertain.

With five decisive La Liga fixtures ahead and the Club World Cup on the horizon, Ancelotti is left with limited defensive options. Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Jesús Vallejo, and even Marco Asensio may be called upon to plug the gaps in a patched-up backline. While these players offer dedication and talent, the lack of cohesion and experience could pose a serious challenge during this critical phase of the campaign.