Real Madrid News
Reason why key Real Madrid defender is absent from squad list for Elche clash – report
Real Madrid are once again dealing with a serious squad shortage ahead of their La Liga match against Elche.
The situation has become even more complicated after another late injury concern forced a change in the squad list.
According to journalist Miguel Angel Diaz, defender Raul Asencio has not been included in the matchday squad due to muscular discomfort.
His absence increases the number of unavailable players for Real Madrid to ten, creating a major selection problem for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
The omission of Asencio came as a surprise when the official squad list was announced.
The defender had been expected to be part of the team, but his muscle issue forced the coaching staff to leave him out as a precaution.
A real trouble for Arbeloa
With this latest setback, Arbeloa will only have 14 first-team players available for the match against Elche.
The injury problems do not stop there. Real Madrid are already dealing with a long list of unavailable players who will miss the game for various reasons.
Among them are defenders Eder Militao and David Alaba, both of whom have been struggling with injuries.
Alvaro Carreras is also unavailable, while Ferland Mendy will miss the match as well.
In midfield, Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos, both of whom are currently sidelined.
The attack has also been affected by the growing list of absentees. Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe are unavailable due to injury, while young prospect Franco Mastantuono will miss the game due to suspension.
Because of these numerous absences, Arbeloa has turned to the youth academy for support, as several academy players have been included in the squad to help fill the gaps.
Among them is defender Diego Aguado, who could potentially be called upon if needed.
Midfielders Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Ángel, and Cesar Palacios have also been included in the squad.
Additionally, winger Daniel Yanez has received a call-up and could potentially make an appearance.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
