Carlo Ancelotti testing defensive sensation at right-back ahead of Leganes clash | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid are already preparing ahead for the game against Leganes immediately after the international break which will be the first clash after the triple injury blow against Osasuna.

With Eder Militao definitively out and Lucas Vazquez a doubt, the Italian tactician has several questions to answer in defence and not many solutions.

Raul Asencio, needless to say, stands out as one of the top options after his sensational display against Osasuna after Militao was stretchered off. Yet, it appears that Ancelotti has new plans for the academy star.

Asencio to change position?

As relayed by Jorge C Picon (h/t RM4Arab) in a recent update, Ancelotti counts on Asencio and sees him to be a regular first-team member for the rest of the season.

Ancelotti is trying Raul Asencio at right-back. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

However, the manager is testing out and preparing the youngster to play as a right-back as he sees no real backup options to fill in if Vazquez does not return.

At centre-back, Ancelotti is still relatively relaxed as he sees Jesus Vallejo as a possibility to play alongside Antonio Rudiger while other options from the academy also stand out.

At right-back, however, Federico Valverde is currently the first-choice player to fill in but the manager hopes Asencio can come good in the department so as to free the Uruguayan to the midfield.

As a player with a good positional understanding, strength in aerial duels and accurate long balls, the Castilla star has what it takes to play as a reliable backup right-back. He will likely start the game against Celta Vigo but it remains to be seen in what department.

In any case, the manager will hope to have Vazquez back at 100% before the game against Liverpool for playing a makeshift full-back against an in-form opponent may not bode well.