Real Madrid Shake-Up: Star Duo Vini Jr and Bellingham Out Against Valencia—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Revealed
Álvaro Arbeloa has relied heavily on his star-studded squad since replacing Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager, but he'll be missing two key players for this weekend's fixture.
Arbeloa's approach of fitting as many big names as possible into his starting eleven nearly backfired last weekend, as Madrid delivered a disjointed, lackluster display against relegation-battling Rayo Vallecano.
However, Pathe Ciss and a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappé rescued Madrid, with their 2–1 victory keeping them within one point of La Liga pacesetters Barcelona.
Despite facing another team battling at the bottom in Valencia on Sunday evening, Madrid must show significant improvement from their previous outing to maintain their pursuit of Hansi Flick's Barcelona.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Vinicius Junior received an unnecessary booking during last week's triumph, marking his fifth yellow card of the 2025–26 La Liga campaign. Consequently, he'll be suspended for one match this weekend.
Madrid will also be without Jude Bellingham who's sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Rodrygo carries a knock and remains questionable. Éder Militão may be out for the remainder of the campaign, though Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy have resumed training.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might make an appearance in some form—he's been absent since December.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Valencia
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Valencia
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois was unable to extend his tally of ten La Liga clean sheets last weekend, and past encounters indicate he'll likely concede at least once on Sunday. Madrid haven't kept Valencia scoreless at the Mestalla since 2013.
RB: Federico Valverde—Arbeloa previously deployed three midfielders in defensive roles last weekend, including Dani Ceballos. While Valverde is naturally a midfielder, he's become familiar with this defensive position over recent seasons.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Rüdiger might be close to replacing the Spanish center-back, but this match could arrive too early for the German's return.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen struggled to organize a defensive line filled with out-of-position players during last week's victory, so he'll be hoping for better structural support at the Mestalla.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The ex-Benfica defender was unused against Rayo, but it's logical for Carreras to return to the lineup on Sunday, especially if Eduardo Camavinga is required in midfield.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French midfielder has been a consistent presence at the heart of Madrid's midfield this season, and that pattern should continue in Valencia.
DM: Eduardo Camavinga—While he's proven capable at left-back, Arbeloa would benefit from repositioning Camavinga in midfield to provide Madrid's central areas with additional energy and aggression.
RW: Franco Mastantuono—Rodrygo's potential absence will likely influence Arbeloa's selection, though the new manager appears to favor the young Argentine, who performs best when operating through central areas.
AM: Arda Güler—Bellingham's hamstring setback creates a significant gap, and Güler cannot replicate the Englishman's physical presence and box-to-box energy. Nevertheless, the talented Turkish creator should provide more sophisticated play between the lines and better recognition of Kylian Mbappé's forward runs.
LW: Brahim Díaz—Arbeloa must adapt without Vini Jr, and it'll probably be the full-back providing width on the left flank. Brahim can be effective from inside channels, and there's potential for Madrid to deploy three skilled playmakers working in unison between the lines.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—This isn't an occasion for Mbappé to drop deep and emulate Harry Kane's style. Rather, the Frenchman utilizing his pace to make runs behind the defense offers Real Madrid their best opportunity for success.