Real Madrid will be desperate to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Celta Vigo at Balaidos on Friday night. Alvaro Arbeloa has received new roster issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Rodrygo will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season due to a long-term knee injury. The Brazilian international has joined Kylian Mbappe (knee), Dani Ceballos (calf), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), and Eder Militao (hamstring) in the treatment room.
Additionally, David Alaba (calf) and Raul Asencio (neck) face late fitness tests to determine their availability, while Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono will serve a suspension. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa provided fitness updates on Mbappe and Bellingham.
The Real Madrid head coach said, “I talk to him [Mbappe] every day. Of course, we are keeping track of how he’s doing and how he feels. Each day he’s getting better; it’s a process where we’re taking it day by day, observing his sensations, but it’s all good news as of today. He’s improving more and more.”
“Everything related to the injuries of Bellingham and Mbappe is perfectly organised by the medical services of Real Madrid and the physical preparation department. They’ve been in London and Paris with professionals from the club’s medical service. Absolutely everything is supervised by Real Madrid.”
Arbeloa also discussed his squad’s fitness situation during his presser. The Real Madrid boss said, “I was going to say that it makes it easier for me because I have less to think about. We have confidence, and that’s what I convey to my players. This is Real Madrid, we don’t make excuses.”
“We must rise to the challenges. As professionals, I want us to be judged when things get tough. When you win and everyone plays well, it’s very easy to wear this jersey. Now is the time to show ourselves. It’s in these moments that we see if we are worthy of wearing this jersey and this badge.”
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 Celta Vigo on Friday. The backline will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Fran Garcia.
As for the midfield unit, Thiago Pinar will join Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde in the middle of the park, with Arda Guler reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior will complete the numbers in the offensive unit for the away side.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Pinar, Camavinga; Guler; Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
