Real Madrid are not planning to make any signings in the January transfer window, according to leading Spanish daily Marca.
Despite Xabi Alonso’s side suffering another injury crisis defensively, the newspaper reports president Florentino Perez is not intending to sanction a major acquisition this month.
The news will be a big disappointment for the club’s supporters, who have had to watch as Madrid have struggled through to this stage of the season, churning out a series of average performances.
They remain four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona despite the weekend win over Real Betis.
Barcelona the next challenge for undermanned Madrid
Madrid are currently in Saudi Arabia recovering from last night’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over city rivals Atletico. They take on Barcelona in the final on Sunday.
They will do so with a makeshift defence that will include midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back.
Madrid have suffered from injuries at the back for the last 12 months with Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold all missing significant time.
They have been linked with a £45million move for Borussia Dortmund’s Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck but that is not likely to materialise.
Indeed, Marca report the Madrid hierarchy believe the club “have enough resources when the epidemic of injuries is resolved, especially in defence.”
Therefore, the club “does not consider going into the winter market in search of reinforcements. At [the club’s training ground] Valdebebas they think the situation is cyclical and that it is a simple matter of time before Xabi’s resources are restocked and that injuries are a part of the reality for elite clubs.”