Alvaro Arbeloa Shocks Real Madrid by Dropping Seven Key Stars from Opening Match Squad

Álvaro Arbeloa's inaugural major choice as Real Madrid's head coach involves excluding Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham from the squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey last 16 clash.

Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger and Álvaro Carreras were similarly omitted from the squad roster released by the club on match day morning.

The unavailability of Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy was anticipated due to fitness concerns, while Brahim Díaz remains with Morocco's national team competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Just four days following their encounter with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia and returning to Madrid, Arbeloa has taken the calculated risk of resting seven key players against Albacete—a team positioned just one point clear of the relegation zone in Spain's second division.

Mbappé was absent from the Super Cup semifinal victory over Atlético Madrid, remaining in Spain due to a knee problem. However, he accelerated his rehabilitation to rejoin the squad in Saudi Arabia for the final and is believed to have endured discomfort during the loss to Barcelona.

There's little logic in endangering the French striker, who has netted 47.5% of Real Madrid's goals this campaign, in a cup fixture the team should easily navigate without him. Rodrygo will also be protected from risk, while Bellingham, Courtois, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger and Carreras could all gain from recuperation time.

Vinicius Junior, nevertheless, remains in contention, along with the established names of Federico Valverde and skipper Dani Carvajal.

Football is a team sport and Los Blancos face a crucial La Liga fixture against Levante on Saturday to maintain pressure on table-toppers Barcelona, who have a more challenging away fixture at Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid Castilla Filling the Gaps

Real Madrid Castilla Filling the Gaps

Prior to assuming first-team responsibilities immediately following Xabi Alonso's departure on Monday, Arbeloa served as Real Madrid Castilla's coach. It's unsurprising to witness him incorporating several younger talents he's familiar with into his 20-man traveling party to Albacete, located southeast of Madrid en route to the Valencian coastline.

Defenders David Jiménez and Joan Martínez, plus midfielders Jorge Cestero, Manuel Ángel and César Palacios receive call-ups and may feature during the match. Several could potentially earn starting positions.

Real Madrid Squad vs. Albacete—Copa del Rey, Round of 16

Real Madrid Squad vs. Albacete—Copa del Rey, Round of 16

Goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin, Fran González, Sergio Mestre.

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Raúl Asensio, Fran García, Dean Huijsen, David Jiménez, Joan Martínez.

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, Jorge Cestero, Manuel Ángel, César Palacios.

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo García, Franco Mastantuono.