There's an ACL bug ravaging the Real Madrid dressing room.
Los Blancos lost Thibaut Courtois before their 2023/24 campaign got underway, and they'll now be without star centre-back Eder Militao for the vast majority (at least) of the season after the Brazilian succumbed in Madrid's comfortable victory over Athletic Club.
It took some time for Militao to settle in the Spanish capital, but he's evolved into one of the world's very best centre-backs over the past couple of years. His absence will undoubtedly be hard felt, although Carlo Ancelotti does have several alternatives at the heart of his defence.
Their current impressive supply of centre-backs means Madrid aren't believed to be in the market for a Militao replacement right away, although they might be tempted before the end of the window. Here are five potential targets.
READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
1. Aymeric Laporte
Once an indispensable cog in Pep Guardiola's juggernaut, Man City's evolution has left Laporte behind.
While Pep often deployed four centre-backs across his backline last season, Laporte was only used sporadically and City will be happy to let the Spanish international walk this summer should they receive a fair offer.
Josko Gvardiol's arrival will only see his minutes decrease further, although he did feature off the bench in City's opening game of the 2023/24 season.
If Madrid eventually opt to sign a Militao replacement, striking a deal with the Cityzens should be pretty simple. Laporte has experience of La Liga after breaking through at Athletic Club.
2. Benjamin Pavard
Another player discontent with his standing at a European behemoth, Pavard is reportedly hopeful of securing a move away this summer - even if it means he won't get to enjoy playing with Sir Harold Kane.
Man Utd are said to be interested in acquiring the elegant Frenchman, but a deal isn't yet close to completion.
Thus, there's a window for Madrid to make a move. Not only could the technically proficient Pavard provide cover at centre-back, but he's primarily operated at right-back since switching Stuttgart for Bayern.
Madrid's current senior right-back options are limited to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez.
3. Antonio Silva
The fee Madrid would likely have to fork out to sign Benfica's Silva renders this move unlikely during the closing stages of the summer window.
However, Silva is a talent that screams 'galactico'. He's made headway in Portugal in no time at all, and it won't be long until he's discussed in best centre-back in Europe discussions.
The 19-year-old is as refined as they come for a teenage defender, with his potential sky-high. Madrid could get ahead of the inevitable chasing pack and make an early move. Perhaps they could use the funds they'd saved for Kylian Mbappe?
4. Thiago Silva
Okay, this is slightly rogue and very unlikely, but it does make some sense...
Thiago Silva remains a supreme defender and one of the very best around, but he may not be a protagonist in Mauricio Pochettino's rebuild given the young talent Chelsea boast at centre-back.
The Blues are unlikely to part ways with such an invaluable leader and stellar performer, but it's worth Madrid testing the waters. Silva would slot in seamlessly at Madrid and operate as another wise head amid the club's youthful revolution. The Brazilian has enjoyed success in Italy, France, and England, but he's yet to venture into the Iberian Peninsula.
Silva would be the ultimate stopgap.
This article was originally published on 90min as Centre-backs Real Madrid could sign to replace injured Eder Militao.
