Real Madrid's struggles in terms of play this season have not only come from problems in attack. The absence of a number of key players - due to injury or departure - has also had a big impact on Los Blancos.
An injury has kept Jude Bellingham out for a month (August 18 - September 17). At the same time last year, Bellingham's 4 goals in 5 matches helped "Los Blancos" overcome a difficult period.
Eduardo Camavinga is also out for six weeks with a knee problem. The Frenchman's skill set is vital to Real's already technical and creative midfield.
Brahim Diaz also suffered a long-term groin problem in September, just as he was gaining the trust of coach Carlo Ancelotti as a player who could provide attacking variety.
Los Blancos' defence is short-handed with David Alaba missing for the long term with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Dani Carvajal is also out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while there is no replacement for the departed Nacho Fernandez.
As of the end of October 2023, Joselu has scored five valuable goals in La Liga in wins over Getafe, Real Sociedad, Las Palmas, Girona and Osasuna. His replacement in the Real Madrid squad - the talented Brazilian youngster Endrick, worth €72 million - has only managed one goal in the league this season.
In midfield, the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a huge void for the Bernabeu side. They have clearly lost one of the best midfielders in the club's history. Even in his final season before leaving Real, Kroos was still influential. Now that the German has retired, Los Blancos' midfield is out of control.
Without Kroos, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. In fact, both players have played well. They have had more touches and completed more passes than any other midfielder in La Liga. Valverde is Kroos' chosen successor with the "number 8" shirt.
"I believe in Valverde. Now he has to take responsibility and take the risks that I took on the pitch," Kroos said of the Uruguayan.
However, Valverde has yet to bring any flair or consistency in setting the tempo of the game, while Tchouameni is still working on improving his ball control.
