It wouldn't be a typical season for Real Madrid if the squad wasn't riddled with a number of injuries, affecting the availability for pretty much any player on any given matchday. The team has had to deal with a few long term injuries this season, but it has been the short-term, nagging injuries keeping key players sidelined that has had the biggest impact on Real's form.
Real have several starters sidelined with injuries, hindering Alvaro Arbeloa from picking his best squad as he looks to continue turning his side's season around. The most notable absences in the starting lineup are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo. The two players have been progressing well in their recoveries, and fans have been on the edge of their seats, wondering when the two superstars will return to the starting lineup.
And, thankfully for Madrid, the team has been handed major injury updates on those players sidelined as we head into the crucial months that make or break the season.
Real Madrid injury news ahead of Villarreal - Is Rodrygo back?
As reported by Madrid Universal on X, Real Madrid have received much-needed updates, with several of their injured players set to return for this weekend's clash with Villarreal. Alexander-Arnold is expected to be back with the team next week. Raul Asencio, who reportedly has a small fracture in his leg, is expected to be available this weekend. Rodrygo is also aiming to be ready for this weekend's match, while Antonio Rudiger is still out and has not returned to team training.
The best news for Madrid is when it comes to Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo. Trent has been out since early December, coming injured against Athletic Club, and his creativity and playmaking have been desperately missed and will transform the team when he returns.
And for Rodrygo, before his injury, the Brazilian had been finding his best form again, and adding him back into an attack with a red-hot Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, who is finding his confidence again, will be a scary sight for opposing teams.
As mentioned earlier, Los Blancos travel to Villarreal this weekend for a highly anticipated clash with the Yellow Submarines, who currently sit third in La Liga, seven points behind Madrid. Real will be without Aurelien Tchouameni due to suspension, but with Rodrygo back in the mix and Asensio good to go, Real should be in a position to walk away with all three points.