A whole week with a single objective: Valencia. Arbeloa has enjoyed a clear schedule to prepare for the trip to Mestalla, a luxury in a season defined by congestion. The extra time has been ideal for fine-tuning a side that the Real Madrid coach still believes is far from its full potential, and for recovering players. Arbeloa will not confirm the squad until Sunday morning, when the team travels to Valencia, but three players have a strong chance of returning: Trent, Rüdiger and Mendy.
The Englishman has the best chance of making the starting eleven. His return would solve the problem at right-back and allow Valverde to move back into midfield. There are also important absences. Two key players are out: Vinicius, who picked up his fifth yellow card against Rayo Vallecano, and Bellingham, who was injured early in the match against the Red and Whites. Their absence opens up several options from midfield forward. Militão and Rodrygo will also be unavailable. The Brazilian, who had been set to start, was ruled out on Friday with tendinosis in his right hamstring, which will sideline him for a couple of weeks.
In defence, Asencio and Huijsen are again expected to start as the centre-back pairing, with Carreras at left-back. The first major change comes in midfield. Tchouaméni keeps his place, while Valverde and Camavinga return after filling in defensively.
That shift allows Güler to push higher up the right side of the attack. The question mark is on the left. Without Vinicius or Rodrygo, Mastantuono could switch wings, or the spot could go to Brahim. There are no doubts about Mbappé, the league’s top scorer with 22 goals, who found redemption against Valencia earlier in the season after failing to score against them last year.
In summary, the lineup Arbeloa could field at Mestalla would be: Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Mbappé, and Brahim or Mastantuono.
Arbeloa will announce the squad before travelling to Valencia. Barring any surprises, the expected list includes Lunin, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy, Fran García, Ceballos and Gonzalo. Academy players David Jiménez and Cestero, both involved in Saturday’s final training session, could also make the trip.
Arbeloa will be without Bellingham, Militão and Rodrygo, all through injury, and Vinicius, who is suspended. Mastantuono is one booking away from a suspension that would rule him out of the match against Real Sociedad.
Pending the official announcement, the returns of Trent, Rüdiger and Mendy are anticipated.