Turning to internal resources to cover the gap on the right flank. That is Real Madrid's strategy to fill the void left by Dani Carvajal. In the short term, Carlo Ancelotti's intention is to rely on the squad's existing players. The regulations state that until the winter transfer market opens, teams can only replace players sidelined by long-term injuries with free agents, as Barcelona did with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny following Ter Stegen's knee injury.
Currently, among the unemployed players, only Sergio Ramos would have the suitable level to join the European champions, but his return to the Bernabeu is a distant dream. During this break due to international matches, Ancelotti will finalize his plan to replace Carvajal. His intention, as he stated last Saturday, is to rely on Lucas Vázquez: "We will have time to discuss the matter. Lucas gives us a lot of confidence. The transfer market is closed, and there aren't many options. We have to rely on the only right-back we have now, which is Lucas Vázquez. We also need to manage the squad well and, in case of Lucas's absence, think about who we can put in this position."
A second alternative is to move Militao to the flank and Tchouaméni to the center-back position. The third option is to shift Fede Valverde to the full-back position.
Ancelotti has traditionally been reluctant to turn to the youth academy, but now he might broaden his perspective. Lorenzo Aguado (22 years old), who traveled with the team for the preseason in the United States, could have his chance. He has played three games and scored a goal in Raúl's team. Another candidate is David Jiménez (20 years old), with six games and one assist. Jesús Fortea, a 17-year-old youth player renewed until 2026 and trained at Atlético Madrid, is highly regarded.
An option that cannot be ruled out is turning to the winter transfer market, with Trent Alexander-Arnold (26 years old) from Liverpool being the preferred choice. The British international's contract expires in the summer, making him an attractive low-cost signing. Negotiations with the English club would be necessary for a January arrival, but so far, they do not seem very willing. His arrival would be more feasible at the end of the season.
Another player in the mix of potential signings is Denzel Dumfries (28 years old), a full-back from Inter Milan. Like Alexander-Arnold, the Dutchman's contract also ends this season. The renewal talks with the Italian club have stalled. In the summer, the name of Juanlu Sánchez also surfaced. The 21-year-old could be a lucrative source of income for Sevilla.
Carlo Ancelotti appreciates versatile players, so the arrival of a defender who can adeptly play as a center-back and right-back is also a possibility.