Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup when they take on Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday.
Real Madrid will be eager to keep pace with Barcelona atop La Liga when they lock horns with Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday night. Alvaro Arbeloa has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior is the latest absentee, as he will serve a suspension after picking up a milestone yellow card in the league game against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham (hamstring) has joined Eder Militao (hamstring) in the treatment room.
Additionally, Arbeloa is sweating over Rodrygo’s fitness after the Brazilian international missed training on Thursday. However, Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Antonio Rudiger (knee), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) could all be back in the mix for this fixture against Valencia. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, the Spanish tactician did not provide a fitness update on any player. However, he discussed other aspects of his team.
The Real Madrid head coach said, “I will use all the players available in the best way possible to win the match. It’s not just about putting out the best eleven, but selecting the best eleven for each match, considering which player can give us the best performance depending on the opponent we face. We have players who can perform well in various positions. Everyone has a position where they feel most comfortable, but they are eager to help the team.”
“I see planning as organising to prepare the players in the best way to face the week. The physical aspect plays a very important role. I don’t need to introduce Pintus and how important he is for us. No one doubts these plans. Since I took charge of the team until the day of the Rayo match, 20 days passed, and the players had two days off. I will continue to do it the best way possible.”
Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him against Valencia on Sunday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras.
As for the midfield unit, Federico Valverde will line up alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park. Finally, Kylian Mbappe will lead the line for the away side against Valencia, with Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz completing the numbers in the offensive unit.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Brahim
