Real Madrid will attempt to strengthen their position atop La Liga when they lock horns with Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday evening. Alvaro Arbeloa has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Raul Asencio is available after being unavailable for the UEFA Champions League clash with SL Benfica earlier this week due to suspension. Rodrygo has also served his suspension, but he is not in the travelling squad due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham are long-term absentees due to their thigh issues.
However, Dean Huijsen is the latest absentee after sustaining a muscular injury “in the calf of his right leg” this week. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa provided a fitness update on his squad and discussed Bellingham’s absence.
The Real Madrid head coach said, “Mbappe’s knee is much better. It’s something that hasn’t completely gone away, but he’s feeling better every day. Regarding the team, it has grown significantly in recent weeks. I feel just as calm now as I did when there were criticisms.”
“We are aware of the demands of this club and want to keep working. La Liga is very long; for me, it has barely even started. We have a very challenging visit ahead, as always, and our goal is not to let our guard down. To win every match, we must be at one hundred percent.”
Discussing Bellingham’s absence, the Real Madrid boss said, “If I could give an arm for him to be healthy and available tomorrow, I would do it without thinking for a single second. For me, Jude Bellingham is one of the best players in the world. A leader and an example for everyone.”
“His absence is very significant. What makes me happy is that we are able to play and compete without a player like him. This speaks well of our squad. If I had Panoramix’s potion to recover him right now, I would use it. No doubts about Bellingham, quite the opposite.”
Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-1-2 formation in front of him against Osasunsa on Saturday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Alvaro Carreras.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park, with Arda Guler reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will complete the numbers in the offensive unit this weekend. So, Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono will be among the backup options on the bench for the away side.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
