At a glance
- Dani Ceballos has been left out of the squad list for Real Betis as part of a “technical decision”.
- The midfielder is expected to leave Los Blancos at the end of the season.
- Aurelien Tchouameni is also missing, but that’s due to left calf troubles.
Published a couple of minutes past midday, Real Madrid’s squad list for a Friday night meeting with Real Betis has two surprise omissions.
Contrary to expectations, midfielders Dani Ceballos and Aurelien Tchouameni will be unavailable to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. At present, Los Blancos are trying to close a nine-point advantage FC Barcelona have ahead of El Clasico.
According to MARCA, though, Ceballos has been left out owing to a “technical decision”. There have already been reports on the matter. But this is a great indicator Ceballos is one his way out of the Bernabeu.
Snubbed for a trip to his old club, Ceballos has a contract until mid-2027. This means we’re heading into the last summer to cash in on him. After that, potential next employers would just wait until the end of next season to pick the Spaniard up for free.
Real Madrid have more injury woes
In a week where Eder Militao and Arda Guler were ruled out for the rest of the season thanks to femoral bicep injuries, Tchouameni will also be missing in Andalusia.
That’s because the Frenchman has an overload in his left calf. In his place, players such as Thiago Pitarch or Eduardo Camavinga could feature at a time when the latter needs a boost of confidence.
Asencio returns to a Real Madrid line up
Previously out thanks a stomach virus that made him lose six kilos, Raul Asencio is on the list and could earn his first minutes since being a last-minute withdrawal for the 4-3 Champions League quarterfinal second leg loss to Bayern Munich.
Militao’s latest setback means there’ll be defensivve opportunities at some point. But for now, Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen are expected to partner in the heart of the back line.
