Real Madrid's Injury Crisis: Which Stars Will Miss the Valencia Showdown?
Real Madrid encounter significant challenges in their quest for a seventh consecutive La Liga triumph and fourth win under manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
The Galácticos remain in pursuit of El Clásico opponents Barcelona at the top of the table and recognize the importance of their forthcoming encounter away to struggling Valencia this Sunday. Following recent setbacks in the Supercopa de España, Copa del Rey and Champions League competitions, securing La Liga success has become more crucial than ever.
Madrid possess an impressive history in this matchup, but their lengthy injury roster complicates Arbeloa's preparations for this weekend, with crucial players unavailable throughout the Spanish manager's lineup.
Below is the current Madrid fitness update prior to the Valencia away fixture.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham joined the medical bay during Madrid's turbulent 2–1 triumph against Rayo Vallecano, sustaining a hamstring problem after merely 10 minutes before being promptly substituted.
Sources indicate that the England international is expected to remain out for approximately one month, ensuring he'll be absent for both Champions League playoff encounters against Benfica.
Éder Militão
Éder Militão
The unlucky Éder Militão rejoined the casualty ward in early December after suffering a severe hamstring problem that will cause another extended absence from action.
The Brazilian defender, who featured in only 30 games over the previous two complete seasons due to fitness issues, seems unlikely to return until close to the season's conclusion.
Rodrygo
Rodrygo
Rodrygo became another casualty in the win over Rayo Vallecano despite entering as a second-half replacement. A hamstring complaint excludes him from the Valencia match and will keep him sidelined for roughly 10 days.
Given Rodrygo's existing suspension for the opening Champions League playoff leg versus Benfica, he'll see limited playing time throughout the rest of February.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold represents another of Madrid's frequently injured defenders and the English player has been unavailable for two months. Nevertheless, he might make his return this weekend.
While recovering from a thigh problem, the fullback will shortly return to action for Madrid. Should he participate against Valencia, though, it will only be as a substitute.
Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger
Absent since the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia, Antonio Rüdiger is another potential returnee in the Madrid defense for the journey to the Mestalla.
Approaching his recovery from a knee problem, it's uncertain whether the German central defender will feature against Valencia. If selected, similar to Alexander-Arnold, he'll be deployed from the substitutes' bench.
Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy's campaign has been ravaged by fitness problems, with the left-back managing only three outings for Madrid. That tally could increase to four on Sunday evening.
The French defender appears to have recovered from a muscular issue to be available for the Valencia trip, though whether Arbeloa actually deploys him remains uncertain.
Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior
There are no fitness concerns regarding Vinicius Junior but he did receive his fifth La Liga yellow card last weekend and will be suspended for the Valencia fixture.
He will be available again for the match against Real Sociedad on Valentine's Day.