Arbeloa Faces Tough Decision Up Front After Mbappé’s Absence
Just hours before the Clásico, Real Madrid fans were hit with the news of Kylian Mbappé’s absence like a cold shower. Álvaro Arbeloa’s side will be without the French forward due to his ongoing left hamstring injury. Although he partially took part in one of the last training sessions, the coaching staff decided not to risk his fitness in such a demanding match.
The showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid could decide LaLiga. If Hansi Flick’s men win tonight at the Clásico, the Blaugrana would clinch the title in front of their rivals for the first time in history. It would be an unprecedented milestone that Barça fans are eagerly anticipating, especially at the Spotify Camp Nou, in a night that could mark a turning point.
Key Absences
Barcelona will be without Lamine and Christensen. Lamine has ended his season early to focus on the World Cup, due to a hamstring injury. Christensen has missed almost the entire campaign after a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in late December 2025.
For Real Madrid, Federico Valverde is out with a head trauma sustained after slipping and hitting a table during a clash with Aurélien Tchouaméni in the dressing room. Rodrygo Goes, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Arda Güler, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos are also unavailable. But the most significant blow is Mbappé’s absence, especially given the match’s importance in the title race.
Faced with this situation, Arbeloa has had to fill the squad with several youth team players. Five young academy talents will travel with the first team to Barcelona, highlighting the squad’s difficult situation in this decisive stage of the season. Some of them could even see significant minutes during the match.
Gonzalo to Start
Real Madrid’s starting lineup is filled with question marks, particularly in attack. Vinícius will lead the attack and also take on the captain’s role, while Brahim Díaz will start. Arbeloa will go with Vinícius–Gonzalo–Brahim, leaving the former River Plate player on the bench.
The possible inclusion of Mastantuono in the starting eleven sparked debate and doubts. “He won’t reappear in a Clásico where you can’t just show up as if it were a quiet home game against Alcorcón. You have to give everything—how can he risk the World Cup?” said Paco González on Tiempo de Juego.
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