Real Madrid XI vs Al-Hilal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Club World Cup | OneFootball

England international is set to benefit from a defensive injury crisis

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to make his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso, managing Real Madrid for the first time since replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, could also hand Dean Huijsen his bow in central defence alongside Raul Asencio.

Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba have all been named in the Club World Cup squad, but are unlikely to feature in the Group H showdown as they are eased back in after injury.

Jude Bellingham is likely to form a midfield trio with Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. This means captain Luka Modric has to settle for a place on the bench as he begins his farewell tour as he will leave the club after the tournament concludes.

Alonso does have a big decision to make up front - one that many Arsenal supporters will be keeping a close eye on amid recent transfer rumours.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are effectively guaranteed starters in the front-line but it is between Rodrygo - linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium - and Arda Guler as to who completes the attack.

Big decision: Rodrygo is pushing to start for Real Madrid against Al-Hilal

AFP via Getty Images

Considering the Turkey wonderkid is more of a natural fit on the right-hand side and taking his form towards the end of the 2024/25 season into account, he could very well get the nod.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Injured: Endrick

Doubts: Carvajal, Militao, Camavinga, Rudiger, Mendy, Rudiger

Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday June 18, 2025

How to watch: 5 and DAZN

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium