It has been a grueling two seasons for the Real Madrid medical department, but for the first time in months, Alvaro Arbeloa finally has reason to smile. After a chaotic period that saw midfielders like Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga deputizing in the backline, the defensive cavalry is officially on the horizon.
As we prepare for the trip to Mestalla this weekend, here is the state of play for the four key defenders nearing their return.
Dani Carvajal: The Captain Picks Up the Pace
While the veteran has technically been “available” for a month, his involvement has been micro-managed to the extreme. Since Arbeloa took the reins from Xabi Alonso, Carvajal has seen just 27 minutes of competitive action—most notably a brief cameo in the 6-1 thrashing of AS Monaco.
According to Diario AS, the 34-year-old is finally “picking up the pace” in training this week. With the business end of the season approaching, his leadership is desperately needed to allow Valverde to return to his natural engine-room role in midfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The “Galactico” Recovery
The Bernabéu has yet to see the best of Trent Alexander-Arnold under the Arbeloa era. Sidelined for two months with a stubborn hamstring injury, the England international is reportedly “on the verge” of a return.
Between Trent and Carvajal, the right-back position has seen a combined total of only 967 minutes this season. His return adds a world-class creative dimension that has been missing during the recent injury-induced tactical shifts.
Antonio Rudiger: The German Wall Re-Assembles
Arbeloa has been forced to rely heavily on youth prospect Raul Asencio and the newly arrived Dean Huijsen, but Antonio Rudiger is finally ready to step back into the fray. After fighting through the pain barrier during the Spanish Supercup in January, the German powerhouse hasn’t featured since.
Reports suggest he could be included in the squad to face Valencia. Having played only nine times this season due to a mix of knee and hamstring issues, his physical presence is the boost the central defense has been crying out for.
Ferland Mendy: Ending the Cycle?
No one has felt the “injury curse” more than Ferland Mendy. After six months out, his comeback in November was short-lived, followed by a frustrating string of muscle relapses. Having played just 22 minutes in the opening games of 2026, Mendy is once again hoping to put the “fragile” label behind him.
The Arbeloa Approach: “The priority is consistency. We need them back, but we cannot afford another relapse. We go step by step.”
The Outlook for Valencia
While all four are “in line” to return, don’t expect them all to start at the Mestalla. Arbeloa and Antonio Pintus are expected to be extremely cautious, likely starting the majority on the bench to avoid the “bounce-back” injuries that have plagued the squad lately.
With Jude Bellingham unfortunately ruled out for the next month with a hamstring issue, the return of these defensive stalwarts couldn’t come at a more critical time as we chase down Barcelona in La Liga and prepare for the Champions League knockouts.