Arbeloa and Mbappé during a Real Madrid training session in Valdebebas
/ EFE
Álvaro Arbeloa has announced the squad list for Sunday’s trip to Barcelona to face FC Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. This Clásico comes loaded with tension, as the Real Madrid coach deals with both sporting and off-field issues.
The biggest question mark surrounding the squad was Kylian Mbappé’s availability. The French forward kept everyone guessing until the last moment about whether he would feature in the Clásico, a match that could decide the 2025/26 La Liga title. In Saturday’s session, he only completed part of the training with the group. Ultimately, Mbappé was left out of the squad and may not play again for Real Madrid this season.
Beyond the off-field problems that have clouded the week in the Madrid dressing room, Arbeloa faces a serious sporting challenge. He has had to assemble the squad with a large number of first-team absentees.
The first absence is Fede Valverde, who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury following his altercation with Tchouaméni. Additionally, seven other squad members are injured: Dani Carvajal (finger fracture), Éder Militao (biceps femoris), Rodrygo Goes (cruciate ligament rupture), Arda Güler (biceps femoris), Dani Ceballos (ankle discomfort), and Ferland Mendy (rectus femoris).
The positive news is the return of Thibaut Courtois, whose absence has been keenly felt in recent weeks as Real Madrid’s fate in both La Liga and the Champions League was decided. Also included in the squad is Tchouaméni, who was fined by the club after his fight with Fede Valverde but is available to play for Arbeloa.
The full squad list is as follows:
**Goalkeepers:** Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre
**Defenders:** Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Rüdiger, Fran Garcia, Alaba, Carreras, David Jiménez
**Midfielders:** Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch, Cestero, Palacios
**Forwards:** Gonzalo, Vini, Brahim, Mastantuono
