(foto: Getty Images)
Real Madrid faces a growing injury crisis with 26 injuries this season, including key players like Militao and Courtois. Tensions rise over fitness coach Pintus' methods.
Real Madrid's season is unraveling due to a staggering 26 injuries in just over two months. The club’s mounting fitness issues have left Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for solutions, as key players remain sidelined, and results in both La Liga and the Champions League continue to falter.
The latest blow came during the midweek Champions League clash against Liverpool, where Eduardo Camavinga suffered a muscle injury. The French midfielder will reportedly be out for 2–3 weeks, marking the 26th injury of the season.
A squad stretched to the limit
Real Madrid's squad has been decimated, with injuries affecting nearly every area of the team. Players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, and Thibaut Courtois have all spent time on the sidelines. Others, including Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, have suffered season-ending ACL injuries, significantly impacting the team's stability.
Ancelotti has had to rely on fringe players like Raúl Asencio, who was called up from Real Madrid's reserve team for the Liverpool match, to patch up his starting XI.
Timeline of injuries
- August: Camavinga (knee), Bellingham, Vallejo, and Ramón faced minor injuries.
- September: Ceballos, Tchouaméni, Mendy, Militão, Brahim Díaz, Carvajal, Mbappé, and Courtois struggled with mostly muscle-related issues.
- October: Carvajal suffered a devastating ACL tear, sidelining him for the season. Other absences included Vinicius, Militão, Rodrygo, Courtois, and Lunin.
- November: Militão sustained another ACL injury, ruling him out for the season. Other casualties this month included Valverde, Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, Ramón, Vinicius, and Camavinga.
Adding to this crisis, David Alaba, who suffered an ACL tear late last year, remains unavailable for selection.
Internal tensions over fitness regime
The injury epidemic has prompted Real Madrid to scrutinize its long-time fitness coach Antonio Pintus, whose training methods are reportedly under fire. While Pintus has been celebrated for his contributions to the club’s success, critics argue that his approaches may be outdated, especially given the increased demands of modern football's fast-paced and congested schedule.
Spanish media reports suggest Pintus refused to take responsibility for the injury crisis, leading to friction with the club’s management. Real Madrid previously parted ways with Croatian chief medical officer Niko Mihic in 2022, following controversy over Arda Güler's recurrent injury under Mihic's treatment.
A season at risk
With the likes of Courtois, Militão, Carvajal, and Alaba sidelined long-term, and Camavinga and Vinicius still recovering, Ancelotti faces an uphill battle. Real Madrid's thin squad depth has contributed to just two wins in five Champions League matches, leaving the club in 23rd place in the tournament standings—an alarming position for one of Europe's most successful teams.
The injury crisis has raised urgent questions about Real Madrid's training and medical practices, with the club now forced to reassess its methods to prevent future setbacks.