Real Madrid have confirmed that Rodrygo Goes has suffered a hamstring injury and will miss the crucial clash against Valencia. With Vinícius Jr. suspended and Jude Bellingham already sidelined, Alvaro Arbeloa faces a major attacking headache at the Mestalla.
Another Blow to the Attack
Real Madrid’s preparations for Sunday’s vital trip to the Mestalla have been thrown into chaos. In an official statement released this Friday evening, the club confirmed that Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes has sustained a muscle injury, ruling him out of the upcoming La Liga fixture against Valencia.
Following tests carried out by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the diagnosis is confirmed:
“He has been diagnosed with tendinosis in the right hamstring. His recovery will be monitored.” — Reahttps://www.realmadrid.com/l Madrid Official Statement
How Long Will He Be Out?
While the club’s official statement ends with the standard “pending evolution,” sources close to the dressing room suggest that Rodrygo could be sidelined for approximately 10 days.
This timeline effectively rules him out of:
- Valencia (A) – Sunday, Feb 8
- Real Sociedad (H) – Next weekend
The hope is that he can recover fully for the Champions League commitments later in the month, but his absence this week is critical.
The “Trident” is Missing
Rodrygo’s injury could not have come at a worse time for manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The squad is already stretched thin, and the attack for the Valencia game has been decimated.
We are heading to one of the most hostile stadiums in Spain without:
- Vinícius Jr.: Suspended (Yellow card accumulation).
- Jude Bellingham: Injured (Hamstring).
- Rodrygo: Injured (Hamstring).
- Endrick: Unavailable (On loan at Lyon).
Arbeloa’s Emergency Options
With the “New Galacticos” attack dismantled by injuries and suspensions, Arbeloa has zero natural strikers available.
All eyes turn to Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman, who has preferred operating from the left, will almost certainly be forced to play as a lone #9.
Likely Solutions:
The Cantera: It might be time to call up Gonzalo García from Castilla just to have a forward on the bench.
Brahim Díaz: Must step up as a starter on the wings.
Arda Güler: The Turkish sensation may finally get his extended run in the team as the primary creative outlet.