Real Madrid star Aurélien Tchouaméni is set to be utilised as a full-time defender upon his return from injury.
That’s according to Diario AS, who have on Tuesday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes at Valdebebas.
The subject of the defensive crisis in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has of course dominated the headlines in Spain over the course of recent days.
This comes after the limited options at the disposal of the Blancos’ coaching staff were reduced ever further, on Saturday.
En route to a 4-0 La Liga drubbing of Osasuna, Éder Militão was stretchered out of proceedings with what was later confirmed to be an ACL tear.
This added to the existing long-term absences of all of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Joan Martínez.
Youngster Raúl Asencio is expected to fill in at the heart of defence for the weeks ahead, having impressed in his first-team debut over the weekend.
As alluded to above, though, upon Aurélien Tchouaméni, long considered an emergency defensive opion by Carlo Ancelotti, returning to fitness, it will be he who slots back into a deep role.
As per a report from Diario AS, despite Tchouaméni time and time again having made clear his preference for lining out in midfield:
‘The Frenchman, once he recovers from his sprained ankle, is Ancelotti’s priority to form a central pairing with Antonio Rüdiger.’