Real Madrid Manager Álvaro Arbeloa Names Squad for Critical La Liga Encounter Against Real Betis

Real Madrid reveals squad for Real Betis match. Arbeloa manages injury crisis as Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen lead defensive line in critical La Liga race.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 7:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Defensive Crisis Forces Tactical Adjustments in Seville

The preparations for Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Seville have been overshadowed by a mounting medical crisis that has thinned the club's defensive options. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who transitioned from the Castilla academy to the first-team helm in January 2026, confirmed on Friday that he will be without the services of veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and central defender Éder Militão. The Brazilian international is reportedly facing a lengthy layoff after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during the club's recent victory over Alavés, leaving Antonio Rüdiger and the recently acquired Dean Huijsen to anchor a makeshift backline at La Cartuja.

Emerging Talents Fill Voids in the Traveling Party

With several senior stars sidelined, Arbeloa has turned to the club’s youth ranks to round out the squad list for the 32nd round of La Liga. Young prospects such as Diego Aguado, Gonzalo García, and the Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono have been included in the senior roster to provide depth during a congested fixture schedule. Mastantuono, who joined the club amid significant fanfare, has recently been the subject of loan speculation for the upcoming 2026/2027 season, making these final league outings a critical period for the teenager to demonstrate his readiness for the first-team rotation.

Strategic Midfield Omissions and Injury Concerns

The midfield selection revealed several notable absences that could impact Madrid’s tactical fluidity against a fifth-place Real Betis side. Aurélien Tchouaméni has been excluded from the matchday squad due to lingering muscle fatigue, while Dani Ceballos was a surprise omission for what the club described as technical reasons. These absences place a significant burden on Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, the latter of whom is seeking to snap a nine-match goal drought. The inclusion of Thiago Betarch and Manuel Ángel provides Arbeloa with technical alternatives should the high-intensity environment in Seville require second-half adjustments.