James Rodriguez's injury has put a bit of a dent into Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti's lineup plans.

The Colombian has not only taken over a starting position since his arrival this summer, but has repeatedly proven that he deserves his spot among his club's top XI.

But his injury will leave him out until around January, forcing the Italian manager to reorganize his lineup. The injuries to Luka Modric and Sami Khedira will likely lighten up the competition for a midfield starting spot but, at the same time, will test Madrid's depth.

The most obvious setup for Ancelotti in Rodriguez's absence is his preferred 4-3-3 with Asier Illarramendi sitting in the holding midfielder spot and allowing Toni Kroos and Isco to roam further forward. In many ways, this is the ideal setup for the team at this point in time. Kroos is a natural 10, as is Isco, but both have proven an ability to push deeper into the midfield to retrieve the ball and help move it forward, as well. In fact, even with James on the pitch, the two looked more than capable of defending the middle of the pitch and distributing. But with Illarramendi, their job becomes that much easier. It actually gives the team the much wanted balanced that many have felt has been missing.

Illarramendi looked solid in the team's recent 3-0 win over Celta Vigo, and he will be looking to stake a claim in the starting position. The January transfer window is coming up in a few weeks, and it is possible that Ancelotti may have a tough decision to make. If Illarra showcases his worth, the team may need to move one of its other surplus midfielders (Modric or Khedira for example) to fit him in more consistently. Or Illarra might be able to convince prospective buyers about upping their efforts to pry him from Ancelotti whether on loan or via purchase.

Another interesting setup for Ancelotti may not feature Illarramendi at all, and may instead look to provide another key player with a chance to prove his worth. That would be Javier Hernandez. The Mexican recently made a subtle complaint about his playing time, and it looks like he will be on the outs this summer. Ancelotti could choose to revert to a 4-4-2 to give him a chance to attack up the pitch alongside Karim Benzema. That way, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale can work along the wings, while Isco and Toni Kroos will provide balance in the middle of the pitch. It gives the team a new look, though the 4-4-2 formation has worked wonders with Ronaldo and Benzema up top. Could Chicharito add anything new?

Or could it be Jese Rodriguez's turn to get a look at the left wing in a 4-4-2 while the Ronaldo-Benzema tandem gets another look? This is the most unlikely of propositions, as Ancelotti has consistently preached patience with returning the Spaniard to full action. Rodriguez is coming off over half a year of not playing and needs to work slowly to get back into form. He could eventually get this opportunity, but it is also likely that the team's top stars are back and ready by the time he is.

However, there is a danger here. With so many injuries, the team is one that cannot afford any other injuries or even suspensions. Isco's red card from the Cup game earlier in the week forced Ancelotti to play Illarra with Kroos and James, but the injury to the Colombian immediately pushed him into making the most awkward change: he brought in defender Arbeloa, throwing the entire formation out of sync. This moment alone shows just how fragile this system currently is with all the midfield injuries. In reality, Los Blancos are a deep side, but Ancelotti and his troops are walking on the slightest tightrope. One injury or suspension and some real creativity will be required to maintain the brilliance that has dominated this fall.

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