Madrid's Medical Wave: Six Madrid Stars at Risk as Albacete Duel Looms
13 January 2026
Real Madrid braces for a potential six-player shake ahead of Albacete duel
A tough test awaits Arbeloa in his first game in charge.
A Spanish newspaper report on Tuesday said several Real Madrid players would undergo medical checks after the Clasico against Barcelona.
Madrid lost to their arch-rivals 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.
They now face a key cup tie, the Copa del Rey round of 16 against Albacete on Wednesday.
According to AS, the exams will help decide who can feature against Albacete.
Valverde is at the top of the list, having left the Clasico with a knee pain and could be out for weeks.
Rudiger faces a similar knee issue.
Vinícius Júnior also left with cramps, but the reports say no major injury is suspected.
Madrid is also trying to gauge the fatigue levels of Rodrygo and the other unnamed player in question.
At the same time, the medical staff are evaluating Kylian Mbappé’s knee, with his participation unlikely.
Finally, Madrid announced Xabi Alonso’s departure, with Álvaro Arbeloa taking charge in the interim.
Punchline 1: If injuries were a transfer window, Madrid just opened a new wing—free admission, just bring your own crutches.
Punchline 2: Arbeloa’s tactical plan might need a medical chart on the sidelines—call it “doctor’s orders: press.”
