Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly set to drop Gonzalo Garcia to the bench for Real Madrid's encounter with Celta Vigo tonight (March 6th). The Spanish striker doesn't look likely to continue leading the line in Kylian Mbappe's absence.
Garcia started and played the entirety of the shock 1-0 loss to Getafe last time out. He struggled in that game, managing just one shot and not providing much threat.
Arbeloa is under pressure following two consecutive La Liga defeats. His side were beaten 2-1 by Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu last month and Mbappe's injury setback has threatened to ruin Los Blancos' season.
Arbeloa turns to Brahim
According to Diario AS (via Madrid Zone), Arbeloa will instead turn to Brahim Diaz as he believes the Moroccan is more useful in counter-attacking situations. He is preparing for a Celta Vigo side that often plays an offensive style of football.
Brahim has struggled for game time this season, starting just three of 18 La Liga games. While he hasn't been on the scoresheet he has managed five assists.
The 26-year-old could link up well with Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler who will likely start on the right due to Franco Mastantuono's suspension. Arbeloa is already without Rodrygo who is ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Madrid head into tonight's game trailing Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race. It's a must-win game to keep the team's hopes of pulling off a remarkable title win alive.
Brahim's chance to shine
Brahim deserves to get a run in the starting lineup and it might go a long way in determing whether has has a future at the club. His lack of first-team opportunities has led to talk of him possibly departing in the summer transfer window.
The versatile Moroccan was linked with Tottenham Hotspur in January but remained at the Bernabeu. He has been with the Spanish giants since early 2019 when he returned from Serie A club AC Milan.
Arbeloa touched on Brahim's lack of game time a week ago. He told reporters (via Madrid Universal):
"The truth is he’s playing less than he deserves, and I’m responsible for that."
He added:
"He trains so exceptionally well and we all know his capabilities. I’m certain that I can make much greater use of him than I’m doing currently. This shortfall falls on my shoulders, and I’ll make the effort to achieve that."
Brahim has failed to hit the heights anticipated and is more of a squad player rather than a focus of Los Blancos' senior team. He has enjoyed some impressive displays this season and will be eager to prove his worth against Celta.