Real Madrid’s Defense Hit by Fresh Blows as Carvajal Ruled Out, Militão Skips Kairat Trip

Xabi Alonso turns to Federico Valverde at right-back to cover a depleted back line.

Overview

Real Madrid confirmed captain Dani Carvajal has a right soleus injury that will sideline him for about 4–5 weeks, ruling him out of the trip to Almaty.
Éder Militão was left off the Champions League traveling squad after an ankle problem in the Madrid derby, with the club opting not to risk him for Kairat.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is reported to be out for roughly six to eight weeks, while Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy also remain unavailable.
With options thin, Dean Huijsen is set to partner Raúl Asencio at center-back, removing Asencio from right-back consideration.
Federico Valverde is expected to start at right-back, with Álvaro Carreras or Fran García likely at left-back, as Madrid prepare for their second group-stage match.