Real Madrid Prepares to Face Levante Amidst Key Player Absences

Real Madrid is set to resume its league campaign after suffering defeats in two titles within three days. Under the management of Arbeloa, the team will face Levante in a match critical for regaining momentum after elimination from the Copa and a loss in the Supercopa de España final.

However, the new coach will be without seven first-team players for this encounter. Lunin, Mendy, Militao, Trent, Rüdiger, Brahim, and Rodrygo will miss the match against Levante. Notably, Mbappé has been called up but is not expected to start.

In light of these absences, Arbeloa has once again turned to the academy. The squad for the match will include David Jiménez, Cestero, Palacios, and Leiva, alongside goalkeepers Fran and Mestre.

Levante also faces injury challenges as stars Unai Elgezabal, Víctor García, and Roger Brugué remain sidelined. Recently, they have added Diego Pampín, who is out due to a muscle injury in his right soleus, Matías Moreno, who is suffering from muscle fatigue, and Oriol Rey, who is dealing with muscle discomfort.

Coach Luís Castro will, however, be able to utilize his latest winter market acquisition, Ugo Raghouber, who has trained with the team for two days. Additionally, Paco Cortés returns to the squad after competing with the Spanish U19 national team, alongside Koyalipou who is back in the lineup.

Possible starting XI for Real Madrid: Courtois; David Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham; Güler, Gonzalo, and Vinicius.

Possible starting XI for Levante: Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Matturro, Manu Sánchez; Vencedor, P. Martínez; K. Tunde, Carlos Álvarez, Losada; Etta Eyong.