Real Madrid’s threadbare squad faces a monumental La Liga examination on Saturday night as they travel to third place Villarreal, with interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa forced to piece together a patched up side for a clash that could define the title race.
Los Blancos sit just a single point behind leaders Barcelona, but the injury crisis at the Bernabéu is reaching breaking point. With a defence decimated by absences and key midfielder Aurelien Tchouaméni suspended, Arbeloa’s tactical nous will be under the microscope at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Defence: A Stitched-Together Backline
The sheer number of missing bodies is staggering. Trent Alexander Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy (both hamstring), and Antonio Rudiger (knee) are all ruled out, leaving Arbeloa with almost no recognised defenders.
Thibaut Courtois remains the immovable object in goal, but the back four in front of him will be a makeshift job. Dani Carvajal is fit but may be spared for bigger battles, meaning the relentless Federico Valverde is set for another shift at right back, a role he’s taken to with typical grit.
The heart of defence will likely see the young duo of Raul Asencio and loanee Dean Huijsen thrown in together again, a major risk against Villarreal’s potent attack. On the left, Alvaro Carreras gets the nod by default. It’s a backline held together by tape and prayer.
Midfield: Camavinga Steps Into the Breach
Tchouaméni’s suspension for accumulation forces a crucial change in the engine room. The natural, and perhaps only, replacement is Eduardo Camavinga, who will be tasked with providing the defensive shield his side so desperately needs.
Ahead of him, the creative burden falls to Arda Guler and the irrepressible Jude Bellingham. Bellingham’s ghosting runs into the box could be the key to unlocking a Yellow Submarine side that can leave gaps when they commit forward. The balance between control and chaos will be delicate.
Attack: Pace to Punish
Further forward, some stability returns. With Rodrygo only just back in training and Brahim Diaz still reintegrating after the Africa Cup of Nations, Arbeloa is expected to stick with what worked in the midweek Champions League rout.
That means a fearsome front three of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. flanking the resurgent Franco Mastantuono. The sheer, terrifying speed of that trio on the counter attack will be Madrid’s primary weapon against a Villarreal side known for playing on the front foot.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
History favours Madrid, who have lost just six times in 54 meetings and won the reverse fixture 3-1. But history doesn’t account for a casualty list this long. This is a pure test of squad depth and managerial ingenuity.
A win keeps the pressure laser focused on Barcelona. Anything less, and the initiative in the title fight swings decisively back to Catalonia. For Arbeloa, it’s the biggest makeshift mission of his young managerial career.
