Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder misses training due to stomach bug; key trio also absent
Real Madrid’s preparations for their Copa del Rey opener against Talavera have been thrown into disarray following a worrying update from the club’s training ground.
According to journalist Melchor Ruiz, several first-team players were absent from the final training session ahead of the knockout tie, dealing a fresh blow to Xabi Alonso at a delicate moment in the season.
The most immediate concern is Dani Ceballos, who did not train with the group due to a gastric virus.
The midfielder’s absence comes at an inconvenient time, particularly with Real Madrid already managing a tight schedule and limited rotation options.
Ceballos’ situation is being closely monitored, but his availability for the match remains uncertain.
Three more players absent from training
Compounding the issue, Ruiz also reported that Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Antonio Rudiger were all missing from training just one day before the clash.
The absence of Mbappe, in particular, has raised eyebrows. The French forward featured in the weekend victory over Alaves and even found the net with a superb goal, making his omission from the session all the more notable.
Mbappe has been managing discomfort in his left knee for some time now, an issue that previously forced him to miss the Champions League encounter against Manchester City.
Although he started against Alaves despite not being at full strength, it was evident that he was not operating at peak condition.
Valverde’s situation is equally concerning. The Uruguayan has been playing through pain for nearly three weeks and once again pushed himself during the Alaves match, where he required medical attention at one point.
Rudiger’s absence from training adds worry, especially given Real Madrid’s defensive situation.
With Eder Militao already sidelined, any further issues at centre-back significantly limit Ancelotti’s options.
Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz was also absent, though his case is different, as he has been called up for the Africa Cup of Nations. Still, his unavailability further reduces depth in attacking areas.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
