Carlo Ancelotti plugs gaps in Real Madrid squad with 8 players from ‘La Fabrica’

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti invited as many as eight players from the club's production line – La Fabrica – to join training ahead of Sunday's clash with Leganes.

Madrid have been hit by something of an injury crisis, particular in the centre of defence, with six first-team players unavailable for the game.

With Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao struck down with ACL injuries in recent weeks, David Alaba yet to recover from the same injury last season, and Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez also sidelined in the shorter-term, Madrid's squad has a patched up feel to it.

Not all may make it into the matchday squad against Leganes, but with only 16 available senior players there will be a need to bulk out the selection with young talents.

Most eyes will be on Asencio, the 21-year-old Castilla defender who made his debut prior to the international break and now tipped by some to start alongside Antonio Rudiger.

"He's doing very well after his debut. He's prepared and physically ready to compete. He’'s excited and motivated, I see him doing very well," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.

"The youth academy is an important part of this club, I don't want to question the club's planning, which has been very good. The homegrown players will be there, but giving minutes is not the objective."

Madrid could be as many as nine points behind Barcelona by the time they take to the pitch on Sunday evening, with the Catalans in action just under 24 hours earlier. However, by that stage, Madrid will also have played two fewer games than their rivals.

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