Real Madrid Hit by Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of Crucial Valencia Clash
Real Madrid have announced that winger Rodrygo will be unavailable for a period due to a hamstring problem.
Rodrygo finished 2025 in excellent shape but has experienced a difficult beginning to 2026, finding playing time limited under Álvaro Arbeloa before receiving a red card in the devastating 4–2 loss to Benfica that dropped Madrid into the Champions League playoff round.
He entered as a substitute for the last 13 minutes during the win against Rayo Vallecano, but has now been ruled out again due to a hamstring problem.
How Long Will Rodrygo Miss Through Injury?
How Long Will Rodrygo Miss Through Injury?
Madrid have not established an official timeline for Rodrygo's recovery, but fortunately for the club, the injury is not believed to be overly severe.
According to AS, Rodrygo may be out for approximately two weeks, though his injury layoff will be followed by a European ban. A two-match suspension has been imposed for his dismissal against Benfica, meaning Rodrygo will be absent for both playoff legs against the Portuguese team.
If everything proceeds as expected, Rodrygo should return for the away match at Osasuna, presently set for Feb. 21.
The Games Rodrygo Could Miss
The Games Rodrygo Could Miss
Fixture | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Valencia (A) | Feb. 8 | Injury |
Real Sociedad (H) | Feb. 14 | Injury |
Benfica (A) | Feb. 17 | Suspension |
Real Madrid's Options to Replace Rodrygo
Real Madrid's Options to Replace Rodrygo
Madrid possess several offensive alternatives, though the problem is that few are displaying particularly strong form.
Argentine player Franco Mastantuono appears to be the probable replacement during Rodrygo's absence. He has been in the starting lineup for five of the previous six matches under Arbeloa and has netted twice, though he has not added to his single La Liga goal against Levante from September.
Should Arbeloa desire a different approach, Brahim Díaz could feature on the right side. The Moroccan player provided two assists in the victory over Rayo while starting from the left flank, but a tactical adjustment to manage the absences of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham might see Brahim repositioned to the right.
Arda Güler and Federico Valverde appear to be backup options, while forward Gonzalo García has regularly appeared on the right wing as a second-half replacement in recent matches.