Trent Alexander-Arnold will replace Dani Carvajal in the Real Madrid starting lineup when they host SL Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will aim to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 when they welcome SL Benfica to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Alvaro Arbeloa has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eder Militao (hamstring), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), and Dani Ceballos (calf) remain in the treatment room. Additionally, Arbeloa continues to be concerned about the fitness of Dean Huijsen, who missed the league clash with Osasuna this past weekend.
Rodrygo Goes is also unavailable, as he continues to serve a suspension in the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, the Brazilian international has been struggling with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa did not provide fitness updates on any player. However, the Spanish tactician discussed Vinicius Junior’s frame of mind after the controversy in the first leg.
The Real Madrid boss said, “He is doing very well, very motivated for these types of matches. Since I arrived, he has been at a very high level; he is a game-changing player. Any coach would want to have a player like Vini Jr. on the field. We aim to make the most of him, ensuring he has opportunities on the field where he can showcase his full potential. He is a very important figure in the locker room, a leader. We need him to enjoy himself tomorrow and play a great match.”
“Vini Jr. has always shown great courage and character. Anyone in his situation—I don’t know how they would react. He has always done so bravely, showing tremendous personality. That has always been his response, and it always will be because he is a fighter. Tomorrow he will come out to fight and play a great match, showing that he is one of the best players on the planet.”
Thibaut is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of him against SL Benfica on Wednesday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Alvaro Carreras, with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba dropping to the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will pair up in the central areas, with Federico Valverde and Arda Guler taking creative charge from the wide positions. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will complete the numbers in the offensive unit for the home side.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
