This feels like one of those matches where the team sheet tells you half the story. With multiple starters unavailable, Real Madrid CF head to Mestalla Stadium knowing rotation and risk management could matter as much as the scoreline.
Four names were presented as definite misses: Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão and Rodrygo due to injury, plus Vinícius Júnior suspended for one match after yellow-card accumulation. That’s a heavy chunk of goals, ball-carrying, and defensive stability missing at once.
Rodrygo has been diagnosed with tendinosis in his right hamstring. The club’s estimate is around 10 days out, which rules him out for Mestalla and makes the next league game against Real Sociedad look unlikely too — though that timeline is still an estimate, not a guaranteed return date.
Militão’s status is the one to watch. He was listed among the absences, yet reports also say he has trained with the group. Until matchday, it leaves Madrid in a grey zone: plan as if he’s out, but stay ready if he’s suddenly available.
Arbeloa also referenced possible returns — including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger — but framed them as “maybe,” not confirmed. With fixtures coming quickly, this becomes less about the perfect XI and more about managing minutes, risk, and the short turnaround.
