Brazilian star Rodrygo, Raul Asencio and Brahim Diaz were all present for Real Madrid's final training session before their testing trip to Villarreal. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa is forced to navigate a defensive crisis for the fixture, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy all sidelined, while Aurelien Tchouameni serves a suspension.

Los Blancos wrapped up a brief two-day preparation window before departing for La Ceramica. Alvaro Arbeloa kept a close eye on the fitness levels of Rodrygo and Asencio, both of whom appeared to come through the session unscathed.

For the Brazilian forward, the end of the tunnel is finally in sight following a frustrated initial comeback attempt. Rodrygo has been hampered by persistent pain since the Spanish Super Cup, having soldiered through a heavy knock in the semi-final to feature in the final, but he is now back in contention. Meanwhile, Asencio continues to show his mettle; despite tibia issues that have plagued him recently, the homegrown defender is expected to start at Villarreal to help plug the gaps in Real Madrid's depleted backline.

Still riding high from their 6-1 demolition of Monaco in the Champions League, the squad trained in high spirits—a welcome change from the tension of recent weeks. After the customary 'rondos' and warm-ups, Arbeloa took the session behind closed doors to drill the tactical adjustments required for what could be a season-defining fixture in the Primera Division title race.

In a boost to the back four, Alvaro Carreras returns on the left, though Trent, Rudiger and Militao remain out of action. Dani Carvajal is still building up match rhythm and is unlikely to start such a high-intensity encounter, while David Alaba is also being eased back following a string of recurring muscular setbacks.

There was further positive news in attack as Brahim Diaz returned to full availability. The Moroccan international, having completed his second session in a row, is eager to move on from a heartbreaking Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Following Morocco's exit to Senegal—compounded by his missed 'Panenka' in stoppage time—the playmaker has been buoyed by the support of his teammates and is now officially back in Real Madrid's matchday squad.

Raúl Asencio

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