Arbeloa's emergency at Mestalla: no Vinicius and Rodrygo

Real Madrid arrive at Mestalla forced into improvisation. Alvaro Arbeloa has been stripped of both natural left-wing options just days before the trip to Valencia, and someone will have to switch flanks tonight at 11pm.

Either Brahim Diaz or Franco Mastantuono will be asked to abandon the right side and patch up the left. There is no alternative.

The chain reaction began a week ago. Vinicius Junior, booked against Rayo Vallecano, picked up his fifth yellow card of the league season and is suspended. The initial plan was clear: Rodrygo would step in. Arbeloa had rehearsed it in training. But football had other ideas.

On the eve of the match, Rodrygo felt discomfort in his hamstring. Diagnosis: muscle injury, around ten days out. That almost certainly rules him out against Real Sociedad as well.

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With no Vinicius and no Rodrygo, the puzzle deepens. Kylian Mbappe is untouchable and must lead the line at Mestalla - there is no alternative at centre-forward. Jude Bellingham, seriously injured early in the Rayo match, has already begun a long recovery spell and will be sidelined for around a month, likely missing the Champions League last-16 as well.

Arbeloa's idea was to use Arda Guler on the right, which leaves the left wing open. The most likely solution: Brahim Diaz, with Mastantuono seen as the outsider.

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And looming over everything is Europe. In just nine days, Real Madrid travel to Lisbon to face Benfica in the Champions League playoff for a place in the round of 16. Getting Rodrygo back on time is a priority. Bellingham, however, is out of the equation.

As if the absences were not enough, history offers no comfort. Mestalla has never been friendly territory for Madrid, even in Valencia's years of crisis. From their last 11 league visits, Los Blancos have won just three, drawn three and lost five.

Improvised wings, patched-up plans and a hostile stadium. Another night at Mestalla, where Real Madrid will have to survive before thinking about Europe.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 23

Friday

Celta - Osasuna 1-2 (0-1)

/Iglesias 53 pen - Budimir 35, Garcia Ra. 79/

Saturday

Rayo Vallecano - Oviedo POSTPONED

Barcelona - Mallorca 3-0 (1-0)

/Lewandowski 29, Yamal 61, Bernal 83/

Real Sociedad - Elche 3-1 (2-1)

/Sucic 24, Oyarzabal 37, Oskarsson 89 - Silva 42/

Sunday

Alaves - Getafe IN PROGRESS

18.15: (2.20) Sevilla (3.50) Girona (3.50)

18.15: (1.65) Athletic Bilbao (4.00) Levante (6.00)

20.30: (1.50) Atletico Madrid (4.60) Betis (6.75)

23.00: (5.50) Valencia (4.65) Real Madrid (1.58)

Monday

23.00: (1.75) Villarreal (3.60) Espanyol (4.90)

***odds are subject to change***