Arbeloa to send Real Madrid starlet back to Castilla as veteran pushes for more minutes | OneFootball

David Jimenez made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid last weekend when he started at right-back against Valencia at Mestalla.

The 21-year-old academy product went on to play more than 70 minutes against Los Che, giving a good account of himself before eventually making way for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jimenez’s potential and development have impressed Real Madrid, so much so that the club already sees him as a part of the first-team squad for next season.

Jimenez returns to Castilla for now

However, for now, according to MARCA, Jimenez returns to Castilla to play tomorrow against Athletic Club, with Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold being the top choices at right-backs for the Real Madrid senior team.

Jimenez started and impressed against Valencia. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

This comes after Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa held a conversation last Tuesday in which they put an end to any issues or doubts regarding the captain’s fitness and role in the team.

The veteran defender feels ready to help the team after ten matches in which he has barely featured under the coach, despite being included in squad lists. He was visibly frustrated with his situation, especially after the Valencia game where he did not even warm up.

As such, there is now a good chance that Carvajal starts this weekend against Real Sociedad, with Trent providing cover on the bench.

So, the decision has been made by Arbeloa to send Jimenez back to Castilla, with the manager seemingly confident that his two right-backs are fully fit and ready to compete for the starting spot.