Real Madrid Defender Ricardo Carvalho Faces Fitness Test Ahead Of Auxerre Clash

Real Madrid central defender Ricardo Carvalho faces a fitness test prior to los Blancos' league clash with Auxerre this evening after suffering discomfort in his ankle.

The Portuguese international has complained of a pain in his ankle ligaments, and club doctors want to assess the extent of the injury prior to kick-off before clearing him to play.

Real Madrid have already suffered a number of injury problems in defence this season, with both Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay yet to play a competitive fixture so far.

That has meant Carvalho, who was initially expected to be brought in as a back-up to the first team, has been a starter in every match so far this season, and so Mourinho may be required to shuffle his defensive line once again if the former Chelsea defender is unavailable.

Sergio Ramos had to be employed in the centre of defence during the 0-0 draw with Levante on Saturday evening as a result of Pepe’s domestic suspension, and will deputise once again if required.