Real Madrid suffer late setback ahead of LaLiga clash against Elche
Álvaro Arbeloa’s side will have to adjust their plans after this player was ruled out for the match.
Real Madrid is walking a tactical tightrope heading into La Liga Matchday 28. What started as routine preparation for their upcoming clash against Elche CF has turned into a total selection nightmare for manager Álvaro Arbeloa, as a fresh wave of absences has decimated his squad in the final hours.
The latest blow came from the medical room: defender Raúl Asencio has been dropped from the squad list after reporting muscle discomfort during the final training session. His absence adds to a growing list of "Meringues" currently stuck in the infirmary.
A Backline Under Siege
Arbeloa’s primary headache is centered on his defense. Beyond Asencio, the Frenchman Ferland Mendy is also unavailable, sidelined by physical fatigue following the intense effort of the previous match.
The injury list reads like a "Who's Who" of elite defenders:
- David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Álvaro Carreras remain out of commission with their respective long-term recoveries.
- This leaves the heavy lifting to Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and the high-profile recent signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who must now hold the line with almost no room for error.
Firepower Extinguished in Attack
The problems aren't just at the back. Real Madrid will once again take the field without their superstar Kylian Mbappé. While the Frenchman’s evolution is positive, the coaching staff has decided to take zero risks, keeping him on ice for at least one more match.
The list of "not available" continues to grow:
- Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Dani Ceballos are all out, stripping the team of its creative engine.
- The young sensation Franco Mastantuono is also sidelined due to a suspension following his red card against Getafe CF.
Responsibility now falls squarely on the shoulders of Vinícius Júnior and Brahim García to provide the magic in the final third.
"La Fábrica" to the Rescue
With the first team depleted, Arbeloa has turned to the academy to fill the gaps. Several Real Madrid Castilla standouts have been called up to prevent a total roster collapse.
The headline among the youth is winger Dani Yáñez, who receives his first-ever call-up to the senior squad. Joining him are defenders Diego Aguado and midfielders Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Ángel, and César Palacios, all of whom are expected to see minutes if the match gets gritty.
Real Madrid knows they cannot afford to drop points if they want to keep the pressure on in the title race, but with a squad this "touched," surviving Elche will be a true test of the club's depth.
