Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid are set to travel to Celta Vigo on Friday night with only 14 senior players available due to suspensions and multiple injuries
- Celta Vigo welcome back Carl Starfelt and Borja Iglesias from injury, but Pablo Duran remains sidelined with a hamstring issue
- Castilla prospect Lamini Fati has received his first senior squad call-up for Real Madrid, while Claudio Giraldez is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation for Celta Vigo
Squad Woes for Real Madrid Ahead of Balaidos Clash
Real Madrid will make the trip to an in-form Celta Vigo on Friday night amidst a severe selection crisis. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces the difficult task of assembling a starting eleven from just 14 available senior players.
The Madrid side travel without Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono, all ruled out through suspension. While Raul Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga have been declared fit for selection, Arbeloa still contends with six injury absences: Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and David Alaba all remain unavailable. As a result, highly-rated Castilla youngster Lamini Fati has been called up to the senior squad for the first time.
Real Madrid are currently without TEN first-team players due to both injuries and suspensions…😳
Being without an array of talent like this leaves you with serious issues 🤕 🟨 🟥 pic.twitter.com/QofNo1aYuH
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) March 6, 2026
Predicted Line-Ups and Tactical Adjustments
Given the shortage of personnel, nearly all of Real Madrid’s senior options are expected to be in the starting line-up. There is doubt regarding Dani Carvajal’s inclusion, with both Diario AS and Marca predicting Trent Alexander-Arnold will feature from the outset. Asencio is tipped to start, and Ferland Mendy – absent from action since the opening match of January – is also set for a return to the XI. According to AS, Thiago Pitarch is likely to retain his starting position after making his debut against Getafe on Monday.
Marca has questioned Arda Guler’s place in the team, suggesting Brahim Diaz may start instead of the Turkish international. Their prediction also places Camavinga ahead of Pitarch in midfield, while the attacking duties are likely to be shouldered by Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia.
Celta Vigo Boosted by Key Returns
Celta Vigo head into the fixture buoyed by the return of Carl Starfelt and Borja Iglesias from recent fitness concerns. Manager Claudio Giraldez will be without only Pablo Duran, who continues to nurse a hamstring problem.
Giraldez is anticipated to maintain his favoured 3-4-3 formation, deploying Iglesias at centre forward alongside Fer Lopez and Williot Swedberg. The sole uncertainty in his line-up concerns the right wing-back role, with Oscar Mingueza, Sergio Carreira, and Javi Rueda all in contention for a starting berth.
Outlook
With selection options severely reduced, Real Madrid are set for a stern test against a Celta Vigo side returning to near full strength and maintaining tactical stability. The inclusion of Castilla talent Lamini Fati adds further intrigue to an already fascinating Friday night contest at Balaidos.
