Real Madrid's squad announcement for Sunday's clash against Real Betis was delayed until matchday after Dean Huijsen was sidelined from Saturday's training due to physical discomfort. The Spain international centre-back now finds himself on the injury list alongside Kylian Mbappe, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eder Militao, with Brahim Diaz also unavailable as he represents his nation at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a significant boost for Xabi Alonso's squad, Dani Carvajal makes his eagerly anticipated return, having completed two training sessions with the main group. The Real Madrid captain, back in contention after a two-month absence, has fully recovered from an arthroscopy on the knee that troubled him, an area where he notably overcame a serious injury last season.

Further bolstering the ranks, Xabi Alonso also welcomes back Alvaro Carreras, who returns from suspension, and Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde, following his holiday break. Valverde had been absent from the final fixture of 2025 against Sevilla, contending with both a flu-like illness and ankle discomfort.

Conversely, Real Madrid will be without their prolific French international forward, Mbappe, who is sidelined with a knee sprain. He joins Trent, Militao, and Huijsen in the treatment room, with the coaching staff wisely deciding against risking the latter just four days before their Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Academy graduates Sergio Mestre (third-choice goalkeeper), right-back David Jimenez, and midfielder Thiago Pitarch all retain their spots in the matchday squad.

The Real Madrid squad selected for their LaLiga Matchday 18 clash against Real Betis is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Sergio Mestre.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Jimenez, David Alaba, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Rudiger, Carreras, and Mendy.
Midfielders: Fede Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Ceballos, and Thiago Pitarch.
Forwards: Vinicius, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

Dean Huijsen

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