Kylian Mbappé was handed a starting role for the first time since returning from injury as Real Madrid named an attack-minded XI for Saturday’s La Liga trip to Real Mallorca, manager Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed. The selection marks a significant boost for Los Blancos as they chase leaders Barcelona late in the season.
Arbeloa’s squad for the 30th round match is, however, depleted by several absences. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, full-back Ferland Mendy, forward Rodrygo Goes and midfielder Dani Ceballos were left out with injuries, while Fede Valverde will miss the game through suspension. With Courtois unavailable, Andriy Lunin starts in goal. The club also announced the return of Brazilian centre-back Éder Militão after a long spell on the sidelines, providing defensive reinforcements ahead of a congested run of fixtures.
The manager opted for an aggressive front line, pairing Mbappé with Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler. The rest of the starting XI read: Lunin; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Hojlund, Álvaro Carreras, Manuel Ángel; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Arda Güler, Ibrahim Díaz and Mbappé. The selection underscores Arbeloa’s intent to press for all three points despite the absences, using experienced operators in midfield and wide areas to support Mbappé’s return to the starting role.
Real Madrid go into the game sitting second in the La Liga table on 69 points, four behind leaders Barcelona, making the remaining fixtures crucial in the title race. Mallorca, by contrast, occupy 18th place with 28 points and sit inside the relegation zone, so the Balearic island side will be desperate for a positive result at home to move clear of danger.
Mbappé’s reintroduction to the starting lineup will be watched closely; his fitness and sharpness after the layoff are pivotal for Madrid’s hopes in both domestic and European competitions. With Rodrygo absent and Valverde suspended, the team’s creative and goal-scoring responsibilities shift more heavily onto Mbappé and the attacking support around him, while the midfield double of Tchouaméni and Camavinga will be tasked with providing balance and shielding the backline.
For Mallorca, the match represents an opportunity to halt a slide toward relegation by taking points from one of the division’s fiercest rivals. For Real Madrid, it is another step in a compressed run of fixtures that could define their season — a test of squad depth as much as tactical adaptability with several first-team regulars sidelined.