Six Key Absences Hit Real Madrid Ahead of Elche Clash

Match Preview

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso announced the squad for the Elche game, set for tomorrow at Martínez Valero in the 13th round of La Liga. Six players were ruled out through injury: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Éder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Franco Mastantuono. Madrid travels to Elche aiming to bounce back after a spell of mixed results and to keep pace in the tight title race.

Lineups and Key Points

Here is the official Madrid lineup for the Elche game:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Mestiri.

Defence: Arnold, Asensio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Mendy, Huisen.

Midfield: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos.

Attack: Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Ibrahim Díaz.

Coach Alonso stressed that Mbappé’s recent goal drought is a team-wide concern, while praising Courtois for his essential saves and leadership. According to AS, the pre-match press conference touched on the mental side, injuries, international readiness, and the team’s overall shape ahead of the Elche trip.

Alonso indicated that the squad atmosphere is positive, and that traveling to Elche—an improving side—will be a challenging test requiring focus, balance, and measured intensity rather than emotional swings after every match.

He explained how the team’s discipline is cultivated: long sessions were used to clarify who they are, what they want, and what must be done on the pitch. On the recovery of Rudiger, the coach said the defender is not available for tomorrow but remains a valuable asset given his performance and character. Regarding Courtois, Alonso highlighted his decisive moments in past seasons and described him as a cornerstone who wants responsibility.

When asked about Mbappé’s goal return, Alonso reiterated that the issue is collective and that work on set pieces and finishing will bring goals back. He also noted that the break gave players like Valverde additional time to regain peak form, and that the squad now has more options as Militao and others recover and adapt to the physical demands of a congested schedule.

In closing, Alonso maintained that the team’s mindset remains steady: the objective is to perform consistently in both La Liga and the Champions League, with everyone needing to contribute. The club faces mounting pressure, and future tests—including a potential decisive clash with Manchester City on December 10—will be watched closely by supporters and critics alike.

Pressure and uncertainty swirl around Alonso’s project, with rumours of dissent and questions about relationships within the squad. Yet the club remains focused on results and on steady progress as the season unfolds.