Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called up eight youth players from the club’s famed academy, La Fabrica, to bolster his squad ahead of Sunday’s La Liga match against Leganes.
The decision comes as Madrid faces an injury crisis, particularly in defense, with six first-team players unavailable. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are recovering from ACL injuries, while David Alaba remains sidelined from a similar injury sustained last season. Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Lucas Vazquez are also out with shorter-term issues, leaving the squad stretched thin.
To address these challenges, Ancelotti invited center-backs Raul Asencio and Diego Aguado, right-back David Jimenez, midfielder Cristian David, winger Daniel Yanez, striker Gonzalo Garcia, and goalkeepers Guille Sunico and Sergio Mestre to first-team training on Saturday.
Not all of these academy players are expected to make the matchday squad, but with only 16 senior players available, some will likely step in to fill the gaps.
Spotlight on Raul Asencio
Among the called-up players, 21-year-old Raul Asencio is receiving the most attention. The Castilla defender debuted just before the international break and is now being considered as a potential starter alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Asencio:
“He’s doing very well after his debut. He’s prepared and physically ready to compete. He’s excited and motivated, and I see him doing very well.”
Ancelotti also emphasized the importance of the academy, though he clarified that integrating young players into the squad is about necessity rather than a long-term development strategy.
“The youth academy is an important part of this club. The homegrown players will be there, but giving minutes is not the objective,” he said.
Chasing Barcelona
As Madrid prepare to face Leganes, they could find themselves as many as nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, who play a day earlier. However, Madrid have two games in hand, providing a chance to close the gap in the coming weeks.
With a patched-up squad and youth players stepping up, Real Madrid will aim to secure a vital victory and maintain pressure on their rivals in the title race.
SOURCE: 90min.com
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