Real Madrid: Alvaro Arbeloa announces his first squad

Europe 14 January 2026 at 08:54

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

14.01.26 FT Copa del Rey Spain

Albacete

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Real Madrid

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For the Copa del Rey round of 16 clash against Albacete, Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed his squad list for his debut match in charge of Real Madrid.

Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as head coach of Real Madrid. The new manager will lead his first match tonight in the Copa del Rey against Albacete. And he'll have to do without several key players. Eleven players are absent.

Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are both missing. The same goes for Alvaro Carreras, Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Brahim Diaz (AFCON).

Alvaro Arbeloa will be able to count on Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde, as well as seven youth academy talents.

Related teams and leagues

Albacete

Real Madrid

Copa del Rey Spain