Neither Camavinga nor Fran Garcia, Ancelotti chooses his left-back to make Arsenal bend

Real Madrid are preparing for a high-stakes showdown in the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal — a fixture that promises fireworks and strategic masterstrokes. While Los Blancos are no strangers to Europe’s biggest stage, they face a dilemma that could shape the outcome of the tie: who fills the void at left-back?

Ferland Mendy’s prolonged absence due to injury has left a gaping hole on the left side of Real Madrid’s defence. Hopes were high for his return in time to face Arsenal, but the club’s medical team has opted for caution. Mendy has been officially ruled out, leaving Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for alternatives.

Naturally, attention turned to Fran García — the young Spaniard who was expected to be the backup solution. But García has struggled with recurring physical problems and has also been declared unavailable for this crucial match. That leaves Ancelotti with very few options, and fans wondered if Eduardo Camavinga, who has played in a hybrid full-back role in the past, would be deployed there again.

Surprisingly, the Italian tactician has decided otherwise. According to sources close to Valdebebas, Ancelotti has ruled out the idea of repositioning Camavinga as a full-back. His decision is not based on form or fitness but on a tactical philosophy that prioritizes control, composure, and structure against a high-tempo Arsenal side.

Instead, in a bold and unexpected move, Ancelotti is considering reinstating David Alaba as the starting left-back. The Austrian defender, who has only recently returned from injury, has barely featured in recent weeks. Yet, his experience and versatility might prove invaluable in a match of this magnitude.

David Alaba has built his reputation on adaptability and composure under pressure. A Champions League winner with both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Alaba is no stranger to performing on the grandest stages. Though primarily used as a centre-back in Madrid, his roots lie in the left-back position, and it’s a role he knows intimately.

Ancelotti’s thinking is clear. Against an Arsenal team known for its blistering wing play and relentless pressing, Madrid need a calm, assured presence on the flank. Alaba brings leadership, positional awareness, and a high football IQ — qualities that could neutralize the threat posed by players like Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.

Moreover, Alaba’s ability to progress the ball from deep, pick out line-breaking passes, and support attacking sequences from wide areas aligns with Ancelotti’s vision of controlling the tempo and resisting Arsenal’s pressing game. He may not be at 100% fitness, but the Italian coach values his experience and reliability above raw physical output.

This also allows Camavinga to stay in central midfield, where his dynamism, ball-carrying skills, and recovery pace could be vital in transitioning from defence to attack. Keeping Camavinga in the middle gives Ancelotti an option to control possession and potentially dictate the rhythm of the match — a critical component in European knockout ties.

Alaba’s inclusion is a gamble, no doubt, especially given his limited minutes since returning from injury. But it’s a calculated risk — one based on logic rather than desperation. Ancelotti has always preferred players who bring structure, communication, and calmness in high-pressure moments, and Alaba ticks all the boxes.

It’s worth remembering that the Austrian was one of the standout performers during Madrid’s triumphant 2022 Champions League campaign. Whether in central defence or wide positions, he showcased an elite understanding of space, anticipation, and leadership — all vital against a side as unpredictable as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Arsenal, for their part, are also dealing with absences. Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz will miss the encounter, weakening both their defensive backbone and attacking flexibility. Yet, the Gunners remain dangerous, with their attacking fluidity and pressing intensity making them a formidable opponent.

Ancelotti’s strategic approach may also be a psychological move. By deploying a seasoned veteran like Alaba rather than an out-of-position midfielder or a less experienced full-back, he sends a message of stability and confidence — both to his team and to Arsenal.

Should things not go to plan, Camavinga remains available as a flexible option off the bench — able to cover the left flank, reinforce midfield, or inject energy late in the game. Ancelotti is keeping his cards close, but the structure of his hand is becoming clearer.

As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on the starting lineups. Whether Alaba can hold his own against Arsenal’s pacy forwards will be a defining subplot. But knowing Ancelotti’s record in Europe, he’s rarely wrong when it matters most.

For Real Madrid, this isn’t just about surviving the injury crisis — it’s about adapting with intelligence. If Alaba performs, Ancelotti will once again be hailed as the master tactician. If not, the decision will be heavily scrutinized. But one thing is clear: with or without their regulars, Madrid never arrive unprepared.