Real Madrid’s treatment room is overflowing once again, and manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a massive selection headache ahead of our La Liga clash against Elche.
The squad shortage took another late, unexpected hit this week. According to journalist Miguel Angel Diaz, Raul Asencio was a last-minute drop from the official matchday squad due to sudden muscular discomfort.
Initially expected to feature, the coaching staff opted to leave the defender out entirely as a precaution, refusing to risk a long-term setback.
A Tactical Nightmare for Arbeloa
Asencio’s late withdrawal brings the total number of unavailable first-team players to a staggering ten. Arbeloa is now heading into the Elche fixture with just 14 senior players at his disposal.
The casualty list reads like a starting XI of its own. Here is who is currently sidelined for Los Blancos:
- Defense: Eder Militao, David Alaba, Alvaro Carreras, and Ferland Mendy.
- Midfield: Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos.
- Attack: Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo are out injured, while young sensation Franco Mastantuono serves a suspension.
La Fábrica to the Rescue
With the senior squad completely decimated, Arbeloa has had no choice but to look to the youth academy to plug the massive gaps. Several promising Castilla talents have been drafted into the matchday squad and could see crucial minutes.
Defender Diego Aguado is on standby to reinforce the backline, while the midfield gets a boost from Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Ángel, and Cesar Palacios. In attack, highly-rated winger Daniel Yanez has also earned a call-up and might be the wild card Madrid needs to break down Elche’s defense.
While the injury crisis is far from ideal, it’s a golden opportunity for the next generation to step up and prove they have what it takes to wear the famous white shirt.