Real Madrid – Girona: Arbeloa reveals key starters and Mendy returns to the squad
real madrid – girona moved quickly from a routine LaLiga preview to a clearer picture of the team sheet after Álvaro Arbeloa laid out his strongest hints in Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Madrid. Militao, Bellingham and Camavinga are set to start, while Mendy is expected to get minutes in real madrid – girona. The message was direct: the match will be handled with serious intent, even as the focus also looks ahead to the next European test.
Real Madrid – Girona starts to take shape
Arbeloa named three players as confirmed starters for real madrid – girona: Militao, Bellingham and Camavinga. He also made clear that Mendy will be available for minutes after returning to the squad, a notable step after his time away from the lineup. With Lunin set to continue in goal and Vinicius, Mbappé, Valverde and Tchouameni also firmly in the frame, the number of open questions in the XI has narrowed sharply.
The likely structure now points to Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Fran García; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham; Vinicius and Mbappé. Arbeloa’s choices suggest a side built to compete strongly while also keeping rhythm in the legs of players who need match sharpness. That includes Militao and Bellingham, who have already returned to action after absences but had not yet started, and Camavinga, who is expected to carry a heavier load in midfield.
Fresh faces and a stronger bench for real madrid – girona
The squad list for the match also brought two notable additions: Fortea and Yáñez. Fortea is set to make his first call-up with the senior team, while Yáñez returns after leaving a positive impression in an earlier appearance. Arbeloa also kept Mendy in the group, with the idea that the defender may be important in the coming days if he continues to respond well.
At the same time, the coach is without Mastantuono because of suspension after an accumulation of yellow cards. Courtois and Rodrygo remain in the treatment room, leaving Arbeloa to work with a squad that still offers depth in defense, midfield and attack. The list includes Lunin, Fran González and Javi Navarro in goal; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Asencio, Fran García, Mendy, Huijsen and Fortea in defense; and Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Manuel Ángel and Thiago in midfield.
Arbeloa keeps one eye on what comes next
The timing matters. Arbeloa is managing this league match while also keeping an eye on the next high-stakes fixture, where several of these players will be needed again. The coach’s own words made the logic clear: minutes now, rhythm now, and as much readiness as possible for what follows. In that sense, real madrid – girona is both a league assignment and a practical step in a wider rotation plan.
There is also a competitive edge to the selection. With several regulars available and the return of Mendy adding another layer of flexibility, the match offers Arbeloa a chance to balance immediate performance with longer-term planning. If the projected XI holds, real madrid – girona will be played by a side that looks close to full strength, with only a few final details still to be confirmed before kickoff.
