Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa continues to face a challenging start to his tenure, dealing with a growing list of absences.
As he prepares to prove his tactical worth in the Champions League play-off round against Benfica, he must now navigate significant suspensions.
Los Blancos are set to travel to Lisbon without the services of both Rodrygo Goes and Raul Asencio.
The first leg is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, at the Estadio da Luz, with the return fixture at the Bernabeu eight days later.
Asencio will miss the opening clash after receiving two yellow cards for mistimed challenges in his last outing.
Additionally, UEFA has issued warnings and 40,000 Euro fines to both Arbeloa and Jose Mourinho for causing delays to the match’s kick-off.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes hit with additional match ban
While Asencio’s absence was expected, the situation for Rodrygo Goes has worsened.
The Brazilian international was already facing a one-match ban after being sent off in stoppage time for dissent.
The incident occurred during a heated protest after a Real Madrid goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin—who eventually went on to score the winning goal.
According to reports from Marca, UEFA has extended Rodrygo’s suspension by an extra game, citing “insulting and abusive language towards match officials.” This disciplinary action means the forward will be unavailable for both legs of the tie against the Portuguese side.
Rodrygo joins Jude Bellingham on the sidelines, as the English midfielder remains out for a month with a hamstring tear.
On a more positive note for Arbeloa, the defensive crisis is expected to ease with Trent Alexander-Arnold,
Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy all slated to return within the next fortnight.
While Eder Militao remains in recovery, the availability of Dean Huijsen and Rudiger provides a reliable center-back pairing for the upcoming European challenge.
