15-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid, return to familiar European terrain on Tuesday night against Monaco, but this time with growing concerns over player availability, as injuries and suspensions continue to test Ávaro Arbeola early into his tenure as head coach.
The European giants welcome the Ligue 1 side to the Santiago Bernabéu knowing that a convincing win would bolster their goal difference and push them closer to qualification for the knockout phase.
A shock Copa del Rey exit to Albacete exposed lingering vulnerabilities, and while a league win over Levante offered some reprieve, Madrid will need to field their strongest possible side against Monaco amid mounting injuries constraints.
One of the biggest question marks surrounds Antonio Rudiger. The German defender is a major doubt after suffering a knee injury during the Spanish Super Cup Semi-final against Atlético Madrid. While there is slightest hope he could feature, his availability is far from certain.
Ferlandy Mendy has already been ruled out of the clash, with the left-back continuing to struggle with a calf problem. He has endured a stop-start campaign, managing just three appearances across all competitions, and his absence further limits Arbeola’s options on the left side of defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is also unavailable, with the England international already sidelined since early December with a thigh injury and is not expected to return until February, depriving Madrid of a key creative outlet.
Éder Militao remains a longer-term concern, with the Brazilian defender facing several months on the sidelines due to a serious hamstring injury and no clear return date in sight.
Away from the injuries, Real Madrid will also be without Brahim Díaz, who remains unavailable following Morocco’s AFCON campaign. Defender Álvaro Carreras is suspended, further complicating Arbeola’s selection options.
With several senior figures unavailable, through injury and suspensions, Madrid’s depth will be tested under European spotlight. How head coach Arbeola navigates these absences may offer the clearest indication yet of his approach as Los Blancos attempt to steady themselves and push forward in Europe.
Another potential absentee in attack is Rodrygo, who faces fitness concerns. According to Marca, the Brazilian picked up a knock ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Levante and remains in doubt for tonight’s clash with Monaco, aggravating Real Madrid’s injury worries.