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Real Madrid return to league action with an away fixture at Mallorca on Saturday, aiming to maintain pressure on Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
The record 15-time Champions League champions headed into the international break in fine form, having knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League before staging a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa spent the past two weeks anxiously monitoring his squad's fitness during international duty—and emerged with good news. The players returned to Madrid largely unharmed and are set to refocus on the La Liga title race, though the looming visit of Bayern Munich is never far from their minds.
Arbeloa Looks for Federico Valverde Replacement
Los Blancos will be without skipper Federico Valverde on Saturday. The Uruguayan midfielder was controversially dismissed during the Madrid derby and must now sit out a one-match ban.
Valverde's enforced absence could pave the way for Jude Bellingham to return to the starting lineup for the first time since picking up a hamstring injury in early February, though the midfielder is unlikely to be ready to start. Real Madrid were reportedly frustrated with England head coach Thomas Tuchel for limiting Bellingham's playing time during the international break, hindering his efforts to regain match sharpness.
Eduardo Camavinga is instead expected to slot into midfield. Brahim Díaz is another squad player in contention to start, offering Vinicius Junior a breather after the Brazilian reported thigh discomfort during the break.
Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy all remain sidelined, while Raúl Asencio is still a doubt. Joining the returning players, however, is Éder Militão, who is available again after spending four months on the treatment table with a hamstring problem.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Mallorca (4-4-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin—The Ukrainian continues to deputize for the injured Thibaut Courtois. Lunin has yet to record a clean sheet this campaign.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—Following an unplanned two-week rest courtesy of Tuchel's decision to leave him out, Alexander-Arnold returns refreshed and with a point to make.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Rüdiger is set to make his 175th appearance in a Real Madrid shirt this weekend. The centre-back's resurgent form has been instrumental in the club's recent run of results.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The Spanish defender is hitting his stride at the most important stage of the season. Huijsen will need to maintain his impressive form to contain Mallorca frontman Vedat Muriqi, who has netted 18 goals this term.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Poised to make his first start since March 2, Carreras faces renewed competition for his spot after strong showings from both Mendy and Fran García during his absence.
RM: Arda Güler—With Bellingham still working his way back to full fitness, Güler's starting berth remains secure—for now. A standout display from the young Turkish international this weekend would significantly strengthen his position.
CM: Thiago Pitarch—Firmly establishing himself as a regular, Pitarch earns the nod for the seventh match in a row. Arbeloa has shown unwavering faith in the teenager he helped nurture during his time at Castilla.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The Frenchman rarely receives the recognition his performances merit. Among the team's most dependable players this season, Tchouaméni slots back into midfield to fulfil his preferred role as the team's disruptor.
LM: Eduardo Camavinga—Amid swirling transfer rumours, Camavinga earns an uncommon start as cover for the suspended Valverde. The Frenchman has been eager for more game time ever since Pitarch displaced him in the starting XI.
ST: Brahim Díaz—The Morocco international is in line to start on Saturday, allowing Vinicius Jr. a rest ahead of the Champions League quarterfinals. Díaz pips Gonzalo García to the spot on the back of a series of eye-catching displays during Mbappé's absence.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Showing no ill effects from his recent knee trouble, Mbappé is set for his first start since February 21. The striker got on the scoresheet for France during the international break and will fancy his chances against a vulnerable Mallorca defence.