(Football news) It has been a very difficult year for Real Madrid with all the injuries and the year could end exactly in the same manner. Real Madrid drew against Cadiz that ended their 10 game win streak, they played the game without Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Gareth Bale, Andriy Lunin, Luka Modric and Marcelo who were tested for Covid-19. In addition Dani Carvajal also missed the match due to an injury. 

Just before their last game of the year at San Mames against Athletic Club, they have been handed two more Covid positive players in Isco and David Alaba. Casemiro is suspended for the game after picking up 5 yellow cards which means Madrid will be missing 10 first team players. Isco has rarely played this season but David Alaba is one of Los Blancos' most important players. Real Madrid struggled without a proper right winger in the draw against Cadiz and now they will be without their first choice center back. 

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The obvious candidate to replace Alaba is Nacho. Nacho played a lot of football at the start and everywhere in the back four. With the recoveries of Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy along with the consistency of Alaba and Eder Militao, Nacho was benched by Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian boss will be hoping that Nacho steps up to the task against a very good Athletic Club side. Breaking the defences of teams like Cadiz who sit back and play with a low block has always been a problem for Real Madrid. David Alaba with his adventurous runs forward and passing ability is a big part of breaking defensive sides. 

Unlike Alaba, Nacho is naturally a front foot defender who will charge into forwards and sometimes go hard into challenges. Militao is also similar to Nacho which would mean that Madrid do not have an organiser at the back. It becomes worse as the pair will not have the protection of Casemiro. They will have to play with Eduardo Camavinga or Toni Kroos who are more of the attacking kind. Ancelotti will be hoping that his team can beat the fatigue and scrap 3 points to go 8 ahead of 2nd placed Sevilla before the winter break.