Real Madrid Shake Up Starting XI Against Elche as Mbappe Remains Sidelined — Latest Injury Updates & Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid must handle their La Liga fixture against Elche before turning their attention to the crucial Champions League round of 16 return leg against Manchester City.
The 15-time European champions delivered a stunning performance against City at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, claiming a commanding 3–0 first leg victory courtesy of Federico Valverde's spectacular hat-trick. For the first time in quite a while, Los Blancos displayed the confidence and flair worthy of their prestigious reputation.
Álvaro Arbeloa's squad will aim to carry this positive energy into La Liga competition, where they continue to sit four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona. Despite numerous key players being unavailable, Real Madrid must overcome Elche to stay competitive in the race for the Spanish title.
Fresh Injuries Add to Arbeloa's Squad Challenges
Fresh Injuries Add to Arbeloa's Squad Challenges
Real Madrid's injury list has grown even longer, with first-choice fullback Álvaro Carreras and reserve left-back Ferland Mendy now sidelined. Carreras is dealing with a calf problem while Mendy picked up a hamstring injury during the Manchester City match.
Fran García appears to be the natural selection for the left-wing position, though versatile midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could also fill the role in what will be an improvised defensive setup for Arbeloa. With the Etihad Stadium visit approaching, the Spanish manager is expected to rest Antonio Rüdiger and possibly Trent Alexander-Arnold this weekend.
Dani Carvajal might therefore start at right-back while Raúl Asencio partners Dean Huijsen in the center of defense. Éder Militão and David Alaba continue their recovery, joining Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé on the treatment table.
Franco Mastantuono is also unavailable for the encounter after receiving a red card against Getafe. With limited attacking personnel at his disposal, Arbeloa will probably persist with Brahim Díaz alongside Vinicius Junior in the forward line.
Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Elche (4-4-2)
Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Elche (4-4-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Praised by his coach as the "finest goalkeeper in Real Madrid's history," Courtois takes his position between the sticks hoping to record his first La Liga clean sheet since February 8.
RB: Dani Carvajal—The Spanish defender now plays second fiddle to Alexander-Arnold, but he returns to the starting eleven to provide his colleague with some rest in what will be only his second start under Arbeloa's guidance.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Asencio contributes fresh energy and vitality to an improvised defensive unit. The young Spanish player, together with Carvajal, adds a physical presence to the backline that should challenge Elche's offensive efforts.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen's inaugural season has featured both highs and lows, but his confidence should be high after successfully containing some of the world's elite forwards on Wednesday evening.
LB: Fran García—Following his complete second-half appearance against City, García earns a well-deserved start, his first in La Liga during 2026. His stint in the lineup may be brief, however, as Carreras approaches full fitness.
RM: Federico Valverde—Valverde has discovered a new dimension to his play under Arbeloa's management. The midfielder enters Saturday's match with eight goal contributions across his previous seven outings.
CM: Arda Güler—Arbeloa will depend on the young talent's creativity and exceptional set-piece delivery to break down another defensive wall, a task that frequently proves more difficult than anticipated.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga—Aurelien Tchouaméni requires rest, creating an opportunity for his French compatriot to earn selection. Camavinga will be keen to demonstrate his value amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a departure from the Spanish capital.
LM: Thiago Pitarch—The Real Madrid Castilla graduate has been this season's revelation, and his solid display against City confirmed his place in the squad.
ST: Brahim Díaz—The Moroccan forward maintains his position next to Vinicius Junior following an excellent Champions League showing, highlighted by his spectacular assist for Valverde's third strike.
ST: Vinicius Junior—Vinicius Junior will be motivated to make amends for his penalty miss with a goal or two against Elche. The winger has now failed to score in his last three appearances.