Real Madrid's defensive woes continue to worsen as it is confirmed that centre-back Antonio Rudiger will miss Saturday's crucial clash against Girona due to a muscle injury. The German international had just returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Madrid derby but has now suffered a thigh problem, expected to keep him sidelined for at least two weeks.

Injuries have plagued Real Madrid's defensive line, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti with a depleted squad for the high-stakes encounter. Alongside Rudiger, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Nacho Fernandez are also ruled out of the game. This means Ancelotti does not have a single senior centre-back available for selection.

The only natural centre-back in the squad, 19-year-old Jacobo Ramon, is yet to make his senior debut. Ancelotti is likely to name him on the bench, while tasking midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and right-back Dani Carvajal with the responsibility of forming an unconventional defensive pairing against Girona.

Carvajal, who possesses a smaller frame, was targeted in the previous match against Atletico Madrid. Now, the experienced defender will face the challenge of stopping Girona's prolific striker, Artem Dovbyk, who stands at an imposing 6'2" and has already notched 14 goals this season.

The issue extends beyond Saturday's crucial face-off, as Real Madrid is set to face RB Leipzig in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 next Tuesday. Although Nacho Fernandez is expected to recover in time for the European clash, Real Madrid will be without three of their four recognized centre-backs.

Ancelotti now faces a significant defensive crisis, hoping for swift recoveries and the emergence of young talents to bolster his side's backline. Real Madrid's fans will anxiously watch as their team navigates these testing times in their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.