Mbappe's Injury Blow Dampens Real Madrid's Star-Studded Comeback Party

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa brought back long-term injury victims Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger to his starting eleven on Saturday, however he was compelled to bench top scorer Kylian Mbappé due to a fitness concern.

The French striker was questionable ahead of Real Madrid's encounter with Real Sociedad after missing two training sessions during the week with persistent issues from the knee problem he sustained in December. Arbeloa claimed Mbappé "is okay" during his pre-match media briefing, though his team selection suggests otherwise.

The 27-year-old was not selected to start at the Bernabéu, indicating greater worries about his physical condition than the Spanish manager was willing to acknowledge. Gonzalo García takes Mbappé's spot alongside Vinicius Junior in the forward line.

Los Blancos will be missing their most lethal striker when kick-off arrives. Mbappé has netted 38 times in all competitions this campaign, remaining the sole squad member to hit double figures thus far in 2025–26.

While Real Madrid will feel Mbappé's absence, they will be pleased to welcome back Alexander-Arnold and Rüdiger to their defensive setup. The English player returns for his first start since sustaining a hamstring problem during the club's 3–0 triumph against Athletic Club on Dec. 3, and will aim to provide some vital attacking flair to his team's play.

Rüdiger, on the other hand, returns to the pitch for the first time since the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Jan. 8. The experienced central defender partners with Dean Huijsen, allowing Raúl Asencio, who has been playing despite injury concerns, a deserved rest.

Focus will be on both defenders on Saturday as they attempt to neutralize a Real Sociedad offensive unit that has scored in their previous 12 fixtures across all tournaments.

Real Madrid Starting Lineup vs. Real Sociedad

Real Madrid Starting Lineup vs. Real Sociedad

Real Madrid starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Gonzalo, Vinicius Junior.

Substitutes: Andriy Lunin (GK), Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Fran García, Raúl Asencio, César Palacios, Dani Ceballos, Jorge Cestero, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappé.