Real Madrid vs Valencia: Vini Jr, Bellingham Out—Injury Updates, Predicted XI
Real Madrid is preparing for an essential match against Valencia this Sunday at Mestalla. The team will be without key players due to injuries and suspensions. Their recent performance against Rayo Vallecano raised concerns that must be addressed immediately.
Match Details
- Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT
- Location: Mestalla
- Competition: La Liga
- Recent Form: WLWWW
Team News
Several players will miss this crucial fixture:
- Vinicius Junior – Suspended after receiving a fifth yellow card.
- Jude Bellingham – Out with a hamstring injury.
- Rodrygo – Doubtful due to a knock.
- Éder Militão – Likely to miss the rest of the season.
- Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy – Returned to training but may not start.
Predicted Starting XI
Given the current circumstances, Álvaro Arbeloa will have to make several adjustments to his lineup:
| Position | Player | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Thibaut Courtois | Struggling to maintain clean sheets; last shutout against Valencia was in 2013. |
| RB | Federico Valverde | Transitioned to defense; familiar with the role. |
| CB | Raúl Asencio | Possibly replaced soon by Rüdiger. |
| CB | Dean Huijsen | Needs more stability in defense. |
| LB | Álvaro Carreras | Expected to start, providing fresh legs on the left. |
| DM | Aurélien Tchouaméni | A key player in midfield, expected to maintain his position. |
| DM | Eduardo Camavinga | Could shift from defense to bolster midfield. |
| RW | Franco Mastantuono | Expected to fill Rodrygo’s role effectively. |
| AM | Arda Güler | Trying to fill Bellingham’s absence; offers creativity. |
| LW | Brahim Díaz | Key to providing width; can play effectively in tight spaces. |
| ST | Kylian Mbappé | Needs to focus on exploiting defensive gaps. |
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid will need to show improvement against Valencia to remain competitive in La Liga. With a reshuffled lineup and several key absentees, the pressure is on Arbeloa to deliver a strong performance. The upcoming match is crucial as Madrid strives to stay close to their rivals.
