Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has lifted the lid on why experienced centre-back Jesus Vallejo has barely had a sniff of game time this season.

Madrid are continuing to face an almighty injury crisis in the centre of defence, with Eder Militao sidelined with a second ACL injury in the space of two seasons, David Alaba suffering a fresh setback following his own ACL recovery, and even Antonio Rudiger now joining the list of casualties.

Ahead of this season, the European champions saw top target Leny Yoro join Manchester United, while Nacho Fernandez departed for Saudi Arabia in a lucrative golden sunset to his career.

Central midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has often filled in at the back as an emergency stand-in, while Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon have been fast-tracked to the senior squad.

Despite that upheaval, Vallejo hasn't had a look in. The 28-year-old, who originally joined Madrid in 2015, might have hoped for an extended chance amid the various absences. But aside from ten minutes against Alaves in September, the centre-back has been an unused substitute all season.

With Madrid about to face Manchester City without a first-team centre-back and Vallejo set to remain on the bench, Ancelotti has denied there is a problem.

"Absolutely nothing is going on with Vallejo, the problem is that his contract is ending and we prefer to give minutes to the young players," the Italian coach explained.

But, even as a specialised centre-back, there is little in Vallejo's career history that suggests he would ready to start for Madrid. The 28-year-old struggled to command a place at Wolverhampton Wanderers during a loan in 2019/20 and has spent two-and-a-half years out of the last five at Granada.

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