Real Madrid held their penultimate training session at Valdebebas today as they prepare for the final match of the 2025/26 La Liga season against Athletic Club this Saturday. However, the session was overshadowed by several high-profile absences that will heavily disrupt the starting lineup for the season finale.
According to a report from journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, the key trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Vinícius Júnior were all missing from group dynamics today.
The Injury & Absence Breakdown
The absences leave the squad incredibly thin, forcing manager Álvaro Arbeloa to get creative for his final match in the dugout.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Viral Infection): The English right-back was completely absent from the facilities today as he recovers from a sudden viral infection.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni (Leg Discomfort): Amid raging transfer speculation linking him to Manchester United and Liverpool, the French midfielder missed his second consecutive group session due to discomfort in his right leg.
- Vinícius Jr. (Personal Reasons): After hitting the winner against Sevilla last weekend, the Brazilian winger missed today’s session with explicit permission from the club. Ruiz reports that Vini is highly unlikely to feature against Athletic Club to avoid any unnecessary medical risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Silver Lining: Carvajal’s Final Dance is On
Thankfully, it’s not all bad news at Valdebebas. The training session provided a massive emotional boost regarding outgoing club captain Dani Carvajal.
| Player | Fitness Status | Expected Availability vs. Bilbao |
| Dani Carvajal | Training Normally | STARTER (Farewell Match) |
| Federico Valverde | Recovered from Head Injury | Available (Awaiting Medical Clearance) |
| Andriy Lunin | Recovered from Illness | Available |
| Rodrygo / Mendy / Militão | Post-Surgery Rehab | OUT |
Carvajal trained flawlessly with the main group and is fully expected to start at right-back on Saturday. Following Monday’s bombshell announcement of his summer departure, the 34-year-old legend will officially use the Bilbao clash to say a final, tearful goodbye to the Madridistas at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Furthermore, Federico Valverde looks sharp after shaking off his recent head injury, and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has fully recovered from the illness that sidelined him for the last two games.
RMxtra Verdict: Auditions for the Shadow Manager
With Vinícius Jr. likely rested, Alexander-Arnold sick, and Tchouaméni nursing an injury, Saturday’s match will feature a highly experimental lineup. Kylian Mbappé will heavily rely on teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono and academy star Gonzalo García to lead the line.
While the match has no bearing on the final league table, the stakes remain massive behind the scenes. With José Mourinho’s €3 million release clause officially paid, the Portuguese tactician will undoubtedly be watching this match from the shadows. For players dealing with “discomfort” or fighting for a place in Mourinho’s reported 4-position summer rebuild, Saturday night is the absolute final chance to prove they belong in the new era.
