Mourinho doubts Carreras as Real Madrid weigh left-back options

Jose Mourinho has expressed doubts about 23‑year‑old Alvaro Carreras as Real Madrid evaluate alternatives at left‑back for the upcoming season. Miguel Serrano reported on Defensa Central that former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa gave a highly negative assessment of Carreras, shaping Mourinho’s early planning. Carreras arrived from Benfica in 2025 and was initially seen as a long‑term solution on the left side of defence. He enjoyed a good start under Xabi Alonso, but his influence waned after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, with performances becoming increasingly inconsistent.

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Mourinho is said to want more competition at left‑back, noting that Ferland Mendy is injured and Fran Garcia’s future is uncertain. The club is linked with Riccardo Calafiori and Josko Gvardiol, and a new signing could push either Carreras or Garcia out. Despite the doubts, Carreras remains a Real Madrid player and is not expected to be forced out immediately. A photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce accompanies the story, while Denis Doyle provided an additional image.