Arbeloa Excludes Seven Stars in First Real Madrid Match

In a surprising move, Álvaro Arbeloa, the newly appointed manager of Real Madrid, has opted to exclude seven key players from his squad. This decision comes ahead of the Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Albacete.

Key Absences in the Match Against Albacete

Among the notable players not included are:

• Kylian Mbappé
• Jude Bellingham
• Rodrygo
• Thibaut Courtois
• Aurélien Tchouaméni
• Antonio Rüdiger
• Álvaro Carreras

These absences are partly attributed to injuries, particularly for Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy. Brahim Díaz remains on international duty with Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Strategic Decision Post-Super Cup

Just days after competing in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, Arbeloa has chosen to rest several prominent players. Kylian Mbappé, who has been vital to the team’s performance, missed the semifinal due to a knee injury but returned for the final against Barcelona despite discomfort.

Mbappé has accounted for nearly half of Real Madrid’s goals this season, making his rest a crucial tactical decision. The manager reasons that risking him in a cup tie against a team near the relegation zone may not be prudent.

Potential Starters from the Youth Squad

With several starters resting, Arbeloa may rely on some younger talents from Real Madrid Castilla. He was promoted to first-team manager after Xabi Alonso’s departure and is known to favor youth players he’s previously coached.

Expected players who could make an appearance or even start include:

• David Jiménez
• Joan Martínez
• Jorge Cestero
• Manuel Ángel
• César Palacios

Full Squad for Copa del Rey

The complete Real Madrid squad for the Copa del Rey match against Albacete is as follows:

As Real Madrid prepares for the match, the focus remains on securing a victory while managing player fitness effectively, especially with a crucial La Liga match against Levante approaching.