Real Madrid confirmed starting lineup against Elche in LaLiga

In the middle of a Champions League tie, Real Madrid must take a brief detour to face Elche. The stakes are high: a win against the struggling side would put Los Blancos within one point of Barcelona, as fans await the outcome of the clash between the Catalans and Sevilla at Spotify Camp Nou. But first, Elche stands in their way.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa is dealing with ten absences, including some long-term injuries. Éder Militão made a return to team training yesterday, while Jude Bellingham is being preserved for the derby next Sunday, March 22. Dani Ceballos continues his rehab for a right calf muscle injury.

Mbappé and Rodrygo among sidelined stars

Star striker Kylian Mbappé remains out, along with defenders Álvaro Carreras and David Alaba, and forward Rodrygo, with the Brazilian recently undergoing surgery that will keep him sidelined for nearly a year. Adding to the list are fullback Ferland Mendy, who will miss action until after the derby; winger Franco Mastantuono, who is suspended; and center-back Raúl Asencio, who was a late drop-out from the Elche game.

With so many players unavailable, Arbeloa will turn to the academy for reinforcements. Thiago Pitarch starts again and is expected to shine, with fellow youngster Manuel Ángel on the bench. The duo put in strong performances both in Vigo against Celta and in the Champions League against Manchester City. Manuel Ángel’s critical interception secured victory in Balaídos, while Pitarch impressed against the Citizens.

Carvajal and Camavinga return

Dani Carvajal also returns to the starting lineup, making his first start since Pamplona, while Eduardo Camavinga is restored to the team in midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arda Güler drop down to the bench.

Confirmed Real Madrid lineup vs Elche

Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García; Valverde, Thiago, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Brahim, Vinicius.

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