Real Madrid will host Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST. A victory is crucial for Los Blancos to maintain their slim title aspirations. However, the team is expected to undergo rotations, with an eye on their upcoming Champions League second-leg match against Bayern Munich in Germany next Thursday.

Real Madrid welcomes back Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos from injury. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed they will feature, and that Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao will start the match. Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes remain unavailable. Girona will be without their key striker Vladyslav Vanat, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season this week. He joins Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, and Cristian Portu on the club's injury list.

In addition to the existing injuries, Arbeloa has decided to omit Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras from the squad, intending to rest them ahead of next week's fixtures.

Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao to Start

According to reports from Diario AS, Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia are anticipated to take the full-back positions. With Aurelien Tchouameni suspended for the return leg in Munich, Eduardo Camavinga is expected to partner him in midfield. Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe are all expected to retain their places in the starting eleven.

Daley Blind Ruled Out for Girona

Dutch defender Daley Blind has also been ruled out shortly before the match. Therefore, MD predicts that Vitor Reis and Alejandro Frances will form the central defensive partnership. With Vanat unavailable, Abel Ruiz is expected to lead the line as the number nine, marking the only other potential change from their recent 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Monday.

Michel Sanchez's team has gained some breathing room following their win against Villarreal, establishing an eight-point lead over the relegation zone. Azzedine Ounahi, in particular, has been in impressive form for Girona recently.

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English Translation:

Real Madrid vs Girona: Arbeloa Leaves Three Defenders Out of Squad

Real Madrid will host Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu at 9:00 PM CEST, aware that three points are essential for their faint title hopes to remain alive. Los Blancos are set for rotations, with one eye on their return leg against Bayern Munich in Germany next Thursday.

Los Blancos are getting Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos back from injury, and Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed they will get game time, and that Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao will start. They remain without Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes. Girona have been left without star striker Vladyslav Vanat, who was ruled out for the season this week. He joins Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, and Cristian Portu on the injury list.

On top of their injuries, Arbeloa has decided to leave Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras out of the squad, resting them for next week.

Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao to Start

As per Diario AS, Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia will come in at the full-back spots. Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended for the return leg in Munich, and so will be partnered by Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe will all continue in the XI.

Daley Blind Ruled Out for Girona

Dutch defender Daley Blind has also been ruled out late on, thus MD predict that Vitor Reis and Alejandro Frances will start in central defence. With Vanat out, Abel Ruiz is expected to reprise the number nine role, the only other change from their 1-0 win over Villarreal on Monday.

Michel Sanchez’s side have a little more freedom following their win over the Yellow Submarine, opening up an eight-point gap to the drop zone. Azzedine Ounahi has been in particular form for Girona of late.