Real Madrid’s packed treatment table will face a severe examination this Saturday as they travel to third place Villarreal in a crucial La Liga clash that could define the title race. With Barcelona just a point ahead, any slip up at the Estadio de la Ceramica could be costly.
Interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been handed a double boost in attack, with Rodrygo fit again after a muscle strain and Brahim Diaz returning fresh from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco. Their availability is timely, given the sheer volume of stars ruled out.
The absentee list makes for grim reading in the Spanish capital. Defensive pillars Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger are out with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, joining full backs Ferland Mendy (hamstring) and Trent Alexander Arnold (thigh) on the sidelines. To compound matters, midfield anchor Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended, leaving a gaping hole in front of the backline.
“It’s next man up. We have the quality,” Arbeloa is believed to have told staff, but the makeshift nature of his defence will be a major concern against a Villarreal side boasting one of the league’s best attacks.
History, however, is firmly on Madrid’s side. The Yellow Submarine have managed just six wins in 54 previous meetings, a record of dominance Los Blancos will lean on heavily. Villarreal’s own form is strong four wins in five setting the stage for a proper tactical battle.
The pressure is squarely on Arbeloa and his patched up side. With the title race a straight shootout with Barcelona, this is the kind of gritty away fixture champions find a way to win. If the stand-ins can withstand the pressure, Madrid will head back to the capital with their challenge firmly on track. Anything less, and the advantage swings back to Catalonia.
