Mendy returns for Girona game; Trent, Carreras and Rüdiger are left out

Real Madrid will be without several major names when they host Girona FC this Friday on Matchday 31 of the 2025–26 LaLiga EA Sports season. The most notable omissions from Álvaro Arbeloa’s squad list are fullbacks Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras, along with center back Antonio Rüdiger.

On the positive side, French defender Ferland Mendy returns after a month out with a hamstring injury.

Injuries, rotations, and suspensions shape Arbeloa’s squad

Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will once again be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, both sidelined due to injury. But the surprise comes from the players who are not injured: Alexander-Arnold, Carreras, and Rüdiger have all been left out for rest purposes, despite the club reporting no physical issues.

The team also loses young midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who is suspended.

Mendy returns, and six academy players get the call-up

Mendy’s return is a welcome boost for Real Madrid’s defensive depth. He’s expected to see minutes for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury a month ago.

To round out the roster, Arbeloa has called up six academy players, reflecting both the team’s injury situation and the coach’s willingness to rely on youth:

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