Real Madrid clash with Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday (February 8th) but will be without two key men. Vinicius Junior is suspended, and Jude Bellingham is injured, meaning Alvaro Arbeloa has to work out how to deal with their absences.
Arbeloa is coming under pressure amid Madrid's inconsistent form but did oversee a 2-1 win over nine-man Rayo Vallecano last time out. That victory ensured Los Blancos remain a point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Another victory away to Valencia is crucial as Barca could take a four point lead on Saturday with a win over Mallorca. But Arbeloa could be without a third superstar for the encounter with Los Che.
Real Madrid star a doubt for Valencia trip
Rodrygo is reportedly a doubt for the trip to Valencia despite coming on in the second half of the win over Rayo. The Brazilian had been sidelined since the Supercopa de Espana final defeat to Barca in early January.
According to Javi Herraez of Carrusel, the winger didn't participate in today's group training session and worked indoors. He would be a massive miss for Arbeloa, given that he was expected to replace Vinicius on the left flank.
The 25-year-old bounced back from a difficult summer and has impressed for the majority of the season. He's managed three goals and six assists in 26 games across competitions.
Rodrygo isn't the only injury concern as Raul Asencio is also enduring fitness issues that Madrid are trying to handle carefully. There's a good chance the Spanish defender plays this weekend and sits out the home clash with Real Sociedad before the Champions League playoffs against Benfica.
Arbeloa faces a decision over Madrid frontline
If Rodrygo is unavailable for the encounter with Valencia it leaves Arbeloa without his two Brazilian superstars. He would have to make several changes to his frontline and that might include Kylian Mbappe moving out to the left.
Mbappe has spent the season as the focal point of Madrid's attack and been in red-hot form. But his preferred position is on the left-wing as shown during his record-breaking spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Gonzalo Garcia might get the green light to lead the line and he will be eager to impress. The Spanish youngster remains backup to Mbappe but has caught the eye when called upon.
The 21-year-old scored a sensational hat-trick in 5-1 win over Real Betis when Mbappe was out injured. He finished as the Golden Boot winner at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.