Arbeloa picks four-man midfield as Gonzalo starts with Mbappé at Mestalla | OneFootball

Real Madrid visit Valencia after a rare clear week, with Arbeloa handing Gonzalo a start alongside Mbappé at Mestalla. According to AS, the coach used the window to fine-tune a side he still views as short of its ceiling.

Only Trent of Trent, Rüdiger and Mendy, the trio with strong chances to return, made the squad. His comeback should ease the strain at right-back when fully fit, but he is not ready to start, nor is Carvajal, so academy right-back David Jiménez comes in, with Asencio, Huijsen and Carreras completing the defence.

Vinicius is suspended after his fifth booking against Rayo, and Bellingham was injured early in that game. Militao also misses out and Rodrygo, who had looked set to start, now faces a couple of weeks out with right hamstring tendinosis diagnosed on Friday.

Jiménez’s inclusion allows Valverde to move back into midfield. Arbeloa goes with four across the centre, Valverde with Güler, Tchouameni and Camavinga, meaning Brahim and Mastantuono drop to the bench.

In attack, Gonzalo partners Mbappé in a four-four-two, likely with the academy forward as an out-and-out nine and the Frenchman roaming across the line.

Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois in goal, David Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen and Carreras in defence, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga and Güler in midfield, Mbappé and Gonzalo up front.

Source: AS