Mourinho considering moving Real Madrid midfielder into defence against Villarreal

Jose Mourinho is considering deploying midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back for Real Madrid's match against Villarreal due to mounting defensive injuries. With Raul Asensio sidelined by surgery, Ibrahima Konate recovering from injury, and Dean Huijsen suspended, Tchouameni—who has filled in at centre-back before—offers a contingency option. Real Madrid remain hopeful Konate will be available, but the club is preparing alternatives ahead of the fixture.