Arbeloa's Defensive Headache Finally Easing Up
Real Madrid's injury crisis at the back has subsided just in time for their Champions League clash with Benfica, giving Álvaro Arbeloa breathing room at last.
After weeks of defensive chaos that had Madrid gaffer Álvaro Arbeloa doing the tactical equivalent of pulling rabbits from hats, Los Blancos are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
Injury Crisis Easing
Real Madrid appear to have weathered a defensive storm that threatened to derail their entire season. At one point, the injury situation was so dire that against Rayo Vallecano, Arbeloa was forced to field three midfielders (Valverde, Tchouaméni and Camavinga) as makeshift defenders - proper nightmare stuff.
But the tide has turned. For the upcoming Champions League fixture in Lisbon, Madrid are only missing two defenders - Militão through injury and Asencio due to suspension. That’s a massive improvement from the hospital ward they’ve been running in recent weeks.
Benfica Options
Arbeloa now has the luxury of traveling with nine defenders for the Benfica clash:
- Four centre-backs including the promising Joan Martínez, who provides cover for likely starters Rüdiger and Huijsen
- The versatile Alaba, who can slot in centrally, at left-back, or even as a defensive midfielder
- Tchouaméni remains an emergency centre-back option if things go Pete Tong
Full-Back Riches
The situation on the flanks is even rosier. After lengthy absences, both Trent and Carvajal are finally fit, with the Englishman likely to start after impressing in the thrashing of Real Sociedad. The captain Carvajal is gradually being reintegrated following last week’s controversy over his limited playing time, which MARCA revealed led to a face-to-face with Arbeloa.
On the opposite flank, Carreras has been laying down the law, but Arbeloa isn’t short of alternatives with Mendy and Fran García also available. Both can even provide emergency cover at left centre-back if needed.
Midfield Benefits
This defensive recovery has had knock-on benefits for the midfield. With Valverde and Camavinga no longer required as emergency full-backs, they can return to their natural habitat in the engine room - particularly important given Jude Bellingham’s absence and Ceballos’ limited role in Arbeloa’s plans.
Tchouaméni remains first choice as the defensive midfielder, while Güler is gaining momentum as the team’s creative hub - a role he lost when Bellingham returned from shoulder surgery.