Eder Militao tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in La Liga’s opening 2-0 win over Bilbao from August 2023, then David Alaba suffered a similar injury in the win over Villarreal on December 17.

But at the press conference on January 2 before the match against Mallorca in round 19 of La Liga – the first match of 2024, Ancelotti denied the possibility of recruiting a central defender.

Aurelien Tchouameni (left) and Dani Carvajal (right) prevent Napoli striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the Group C Champions League match at Diego Maradona Stadium, Naples, Italy on October 3, 2023.

Ancelotti also refused to talk about the future of Kylian Mbappe – the striker is free to negotiate with other clubs when entering the final six months of his contract with PSG.

On the other hand, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Nacho also have their contracts expired at the end of the season and can freely negotiate with other clubs.

On December 29, Real announced an extension of Ancelotti’s contract until the summer of 2026, ending rumors that he would lead the Brazilian team at the end of this season.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti at Real’s Valdebebas training ground on the outskirts of Madrid, January 2.

Ancelotti admitted that leading Brazil in the future is still an interesting choice, but it is uncertain whether this team still needs him in 2026.

Ancelotti confirmed that Vinicius, Carvajal, Arda Guler can fully train, and Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga will return next week.