Madrid search for Carvajal replacements

Real Madrid have begun the search for a right-back to replace the injured Dani Carvajal, sources have told ESPN, but the LaLiga club are aware that finding the right candidate in the January transfer window will be difficult.

Carvajal was stretchered off in Madrid's 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday, with the club later confirming that the Spain international had suffered "a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg," requiring surgery.

The defender's long-term absence leaves Lucas Vázquez -- a converted winger -- as Madrid's only senior option at right-back.

A source told ESPN that Madrid have already been offered more than 10 players since Carvajal's injury, but the most attractive options will be hard to secure given that they are under contract at other clubs.

Madrid have been tracking Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold -- whose contract at Anfield is due to expire next summer -- for some time.

The club had seen the England full-back more as a market opportunity rather than a priority, sources said, but in light of Carvajal's injury, his characteristics and international experience mean he's viewed as one of their best options.

It's not yet clear if Alexander-Arnold has decided to leave Liverpool, however, and Madrid are aware that negotiating any kind of deal to allow the player to leave the Premier League leaders mid-season would be complicated.

Madrid are looking for alternatives, with their first-team squad already under-stocked in defence after they missed out on centre-back Leny Yoro last summer, following the departure of Nacho.

At left-back, Madrid were keen to sign Alphonso Davies last summer, and the Canada international remains a priority for the summer of 2025 on a free transfer.

However, bringing forward his arrival to January would mean agreeing a deal with Bayern, which Madrid would not expect to be simple given the German team's ambitions.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen for the club to move and strengthen his defensive options, sources told ESPN.

After being beaten to Yoro's signing by Manchester United, Madrid have Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger as their first-choice central defensive pairing.

While David Alaba continues his recovery from a long-term injury, Ancelotti's only alternatives in the position are midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, or Jesús Vallejo.

Carvajal's injury has increased the scrutiny on the defence. Vázquez is a reliable, experienced deputy, but sources said there are doubts at the club about his ability to deliver at right-back as the regular starter.

On the left, Ferland Mendy is first choice, supported by Fran García. The coaching staff do not view García's level as sufficiently high to play from the outset on a regular basis.

Madrid are keen to move early, and will also look at younger, longer-term prospects in the market, sources told ESPN, but if they aren't convinced, they'll stick with their squad as they did in the summer after failing to land Yoro.