LaLiga

Real Madrid possible starting lineup against Mallorca in LaLiga

Mbappé is set to return, Vinícius faces a late fitness call, and Valverde misses out through suspension at Son Moix.

Vincent West

Update: Apr 3rd, 2026 15:11 EDT

Real Madrid’s final sprint for the LaLiga title begins at Mallorca, with nine matches left on the horizon. The next five games are especially crucial as the club looks to cut Barcelona’s lead and arrive at El Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10 with control of its own destiny.

The return to league action brings encouraging news for coach Arbeloa, who regains several key players. The biggest boost is the return of Éder Militão to the squad, though the team also travels without one of its most important midfielders, Federico Valverde, who is suspended after being sent off in the derby. In total, the manager is missing five players and has included five academy prospects in the traveling squad.

Militão returns, but defense remains steady

Militão has been named in a matchday squad for the first time in nearly four months. However, his minutes will be managed carefully as he works back to full fitness.

Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen are expected to continue as the starting center back pairing. The duo is becoming increasingly established and will start together for a fifth consecutive match.

Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Carreras are expected to operate as the fullbacks, while Andriy Lunin will start in goal in the absence of Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup against Mallorca in LaLiga — Éder Militao during Real Madrid's training session on Friday, the day before the match against Mallorca.AITOR MARTIN

Midfield puzzle without Valverde

Arbeloa faces a significant tactical challenge in midfield without Valverde, who has been a constant starter throughout his tenure. The Uruguayan had formed a core trio alongside Thiago Pitarch and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

One possible solution involves redistributing wide responsibilities between Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga, who have recently alternated on the left side. In this scenario, Güler would shift to the right, a position he occupied early in his Real Madrid career, while Camavinga would remain on the left.

How Arbeloa replaces Valverde’s energy and balance is one of the key tactical questions heading into the match at Son Moix.

Mbappé returns, Vinícius decision still open

Kylian Mbappé is expected to return to the starting lineup after fully recovering from a knee sprain. He has already logged 21 minutes in Manchester and 16 minutes in the derby, and he also started for France during the international break.

The biggest question mark is Vinícius Júnior. Arbeloa left his status open due to fatigue concerns.

“He is tired, as is normal. I don’t think he has stopped since the start of 2026,” the coach said. “We will see how he is today, ahead of tomorrow’s match, and we will decide.”

If Vinícius is rested, Brahim Díaz is expected to benefit, likely continuing in the starting XI after featuring in the last five matches in Mbappé’s absence.

Projected Real Madrid lineup vs Mallorca

Andriy Lunin; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Álex Carreras; Arda Güler, Thiago Pitarch, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga; Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior or Brahim Díaz.

Squad depth and traveling players

Arbeloa has taken 24 players to Palma, meaning one will miss out on the final matchday squad.

Also included in the group are goalkeepers Fran González and Javi Navarro, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Fran García, Manuel Ángel, Palacios, Jude Bellingham, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo García.

View this post on Instagram

Injury list and absences

Real Madrid enters the match with five absences.

Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo remain sidelined through injury, while Dani Ceballos is not yet ready after returning from a six-week spell out.

The fifth absence is Valverde, who is suspended following his red card in the Madrid derby.