Matchday Dilemmas Ahead of Bayern Clash
Real Madrid supporters are gripped by worry as they head into Tuesday’s first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, with manager Álvaro Arbeloa facing a genuine puzzle in selection.
Madrid were stunned by a 2-1 loss at Mallorca on Saturday, a setback that raises the stakes for the visit of the German giants.
AS reports the big question now is whether Jude Bellingham is ready to start, and if not, who will step in for him?
Bellingham has been out for weeks, logging around 20 minutes against Atlético and just over half an hour at Mallorca, with the aim of rebuilding fitness gradually.
In Madrid’s recent run, the midfield of Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Güler has looked solid, with Camavinga’s game time being the only unsettled factor.
Each of these four players brings different strengths to the XI, and Arbeloa will have to decide who starts tomorrow or in the busy weeks ahead when a regular Bellingham role becomes essential.
If reintroducing Bellingham gradually is necessary after a month-and-a-half out, Militao’s four-month absence presents an even bigger headache.
Nevertheless, Militao returned after 118 days in impressive fashion, playing 30 minutes and heading the equalizer that rekindled hopes of a comeback.
After such a long lay-off, it would be bold to assume he starts against Bayern.
While Rüdiger and his central-defensive partner have shown form in recent weeks, the question remains: when does Militao reclaim a starting berth?
Perhaps the most changeable area has been the full-backs. On the right, Arbeloa has rotated with Arnold and Carvajal; the Englishman played Mallorca as he did against Manchester City, while Carvajal’s derby performance stood out.
On the left, the trio competing are Mendy, Fran García, and Carreras.
With these constant backline rotations, Arbeloa must decide the right pairing for tomorrow.
He will need to settle these issues and answer the pressing questions in the hours ahead, before the European clash that will not be easy by any measure.
(Read also).. Barcelona officially moves to sign a Lewandowski replacement from the Bundesliga.
Punchline time: If Real Madrid’s defense is so airtight, even the whistle sounds guilty. And if Arbeloa had a crystal ball, it would probably says, “Start Bellingham… or at least try not to bench him for eternity.”
