Arnold Returns to Lead Real Madrid in La Liga Clash Against Vallecano

Predicted Real Madrid XI and key decisions

Spanish outlet AS reports that Xabi Alonso is close to naming Real Madrid's starting XI for the visit to Vallecano at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas on Sunday, in La Liga round 12.

According to the report, Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back after recovering from injury, following his substitute appearance in Liverpool's recent Champions League match.

With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Fede Valverde returns to midfield, while the defense is expected to include Éder Militao and David Alaba in central roles with Ferland Mendí at left-back and Alexander-Arnold on the right flank.

Real Madrid are likely to line up with Courtois in goal; Militao, Alaba, Mendí and Arnold across the back; Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Fede Valverde in midfield; and Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé leading the attack.

Alonso's squad notes also confirm that David Alaba has returned to training after an injury, while Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Fran Mastantuono, and Aurélien Tchouaméni miss out through injury.

Real Madrid lineup for Vallecano

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defence: Militao – Alaba – Mendí – Arnold

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Eduardo Camavinga – Arda Güler – Fede Valverde

Attack: Vinícius Júnior – Mbappé

Real Madrid sit top of La Liga with 30 points, Vallecano are tenth with 14, and Madrid will look to extend the lead or at least maintain it heading into the international break.

Madrid's last competitive result was a 0-1 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League, a reminder that European football remains a testing arena.

Returning balance in the dressing room

Alonso believes Madrid must regain balance after the recent European setback, aiming to start the international window with a victory.

Madrid have won four league games in a row since their 2-5 wobble at Atletico Madrid, reclaiming top spot from Barcelona, who slipped at Seville.

Vallecano have often troubled the league leaders, drawing three of their last four meetings with Madrid, including two away and one at the Bernabéu.

Madrid will also miss Aurélien Tchouaméni through a thigh issue, but the squad will lean on Mbappé to maintain his scoring form as the season progresses.

Mbappé has been in peak form, with 18 goals in 14 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, including standout showings against Barcelona in the Clasico and a bright spell since the Club World Cup setback in the U.S.

Historically, no Madrid player has started a season hotter than Mbappé since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015, when he scored 20 goals in the first 11 league matches, eclipsing Benzema’s 2022 Ballon d'Or run.

Locker room tensions

Sport reports that tensions in the dressing room have sharpened Florentino Perez's belief that Alonso must manage the squad effectively.

Specifically, Vinícius Júnior's reaction after being substituted, Valverde’s concerns about his midfield role, and Arnold's late substitution against Liverpool have intensified discussions within the group.

The club reportedly chose not to discipline Vinícius, leaving Alonso to navigate the delicate dynamics and rotations as the season progresses.