Real Madrid receive injury blow ahead of key week

Today, Valdebebas, like the rest of Spain, had its mind elsewhere. In Adamuz, in Córdoba, where a tragic train accident occurred yesterday. That was why Real Madrid’s training session started a little later than usual. And why, after arriving one by one at the pitches of the Valdebebas training complex, the players formed a circle, stared straight ahead, and observed a minute of silence. In memory of the victims, their families, everyone.

Then came Arbeloa’s talk. Instructions, and the starting pistol for the final training session before Monaco. A match for which five players will be unavailable. Three were expected due to injury: Trent, Militao, and Mendy.

Brahim was also absent, still affected by the missed penalty and by the Africa Cup of Nations, which had been shaping up like a fairytale before turning into a nightmare. He is expected back on Wednesday, after the Champions League, although that has not yet been decided. Rüdiger did not start either, making his presence tomorrow a pipe dream. He was doubtful, as was Rodrygo. But Rodrygo started against Rayo Vallecano and will be available. His hamstrings are bothering him, but less so now.

As usual, the session was filled out by youth academy players, although it was affected by Castilla’s match yesterday. The 1-1 draw against Mérida marked Julián López de Lerma’s debut. Of the starters, only Fran González appeared. He was joined by Cristian David, Pol Fortuny, Mesonero, and Álvaro Leiva, who continues to add teams to his personal itinerary by the hour. On Saturday, he was on the bench at the Bernabéu and played minutes for Real Madrid C. Yesterday, he came on as a substitute for Castilla. Today, he is another player at Valdebebas. We will see if he makes the same squad.

Real Madrid squad:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González.

Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Fran García, and Huijsen.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Güler, Ceballos, Pol Fortuny, and Mesonero.

Forwards: Vinicius, Mbappé, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

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