Finally, a defensive injury that’s good news for Real Madrid

Last season Real Madrid were crowned European champions for a record-extending 15th time. This year they’ve made it to the quarter-final stage once again and are among the favourites to lift the Champions League.

They will take on a resolute Arsenal side in their UCL quarter-final but may have been helped by an injury to a key player. The Gunners took on Fulham on Tuesday and suffered a major blow when Gabriel Magalhaes was substituted midway through the first half.

The Brazilian defender has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season and a real goal threat, contributing five goals in all competitions. Gabriel pulled up after making a recovery sprint and was holding his hamstring while play continued. When the ball finally went out of play, Gabriel was immediately substituted and now looks like a major doubt for the Madrid game next week.

Real Madrid’s own defensive issues

On Tuesday Gabriel was replaced by Jakub Kiwior. The Polish defender is a versatile deputy but he’s a long way short of a regular starter for the Gunners and Gabriel’s absence would significantly weaken Mikel Arteta’s team.

However Real Madrid, too, have been forced to deal with defensive absences of their own this season. Regular starters Daniel Carvajal and Eder Militao have been out since the fall with ACL tears, while Ferland Mendy has been sidelined since early March.

Los Blancos have also had to contend with a long-term injury to David Alaba, although the Austrian defender has now returned to the squad. In Tuesday’s Copa del Rey game Alaba started alongside young defender Raul Asencio, with midfielders Lucas Vazquez and Eduardo Camavinga filling in at fullback.

“I’m very happy after being injured for so long. I was ready to be a starter,” Alba said recently after his return to the team. “We work together and when we do, we’re very good. We’re dangerous up front and we know it. We’ve defended very well together”,

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