Real Madrid were dealt a heavy blow in their opening-day victory against Athletic Bilbao as defender Eder Militao was withdrawn with an injury, and is now set to miss most of the season.
The club have confirmed that the Brazilian has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, just days after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered the same fate.
It is unclear whether Real Madrid will enter the market to help replace the centre-back, and Sergio Ramos may present himself as an option.
The 37-year-old is a free agent, having departed Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, and could perhaps return as a short-term solution whilst Militao is out.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that any excitement over a surprise comeback should be put on ice for now, stating that Real Madrid sources are “playing down” rumours of his return.
Should Real Madrid sign Ramos?
Militao’s injury will likely keep him out for most of the season, and as their first choice option in the position, he will be a big loss for Carlo Ancelotti.
However, he has other options at his disposal within the squad, with Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Nacho as natural centre-backs, and they could use Ferland Mendy or even Aurelien Tchouameni as emergency options if necessary.
A short-term deal for Ramos may be of little risk, and he would bring a lot of leadership to the dressing room in this young squad.
The problem with Ramos is that he has struggled with injuries throughout his difficult two year spell in Paris, and he may not be reliable enough in terms of fitness to form part of the squad.
Whilst Madridstas would love to see him make a return, having departed in 2021, it seems unlikely that he will make a big contribution on the pitch, and it is questionable whether they should go for him over younger options if they are to enter the market.