Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup when they host Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Real Madrid will be desperate to return to winning ways when they welcome Levante to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon. Alvaro Arbeloa has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Kylian Mbappe has returned to the squad after his recent fitness struggles. However, Rodrygo Goes will not be available to take on Levante this weekend, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), Antonio Rudiger (knee), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring) in the treatment room.

Additionally, Brahim Diaz is still at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, and he will feature in the final on Sunday. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa provided fitness updates on Mbappe and Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid boss said, “He [Mbappe] is better and will be in the squad. He [Rodrygo] won’t be available tomorrow. He’s recovering from an immense effort. We hope he recovers soon and is ready for Tuesday. We all know his exceptional quality and the great moments he’s given us. In the last two months, he’s returned to his best. That’s what I expect from him: to recover quickly and be ready to play.”

Meanwhile, during his presser, Arbeloa also discussed Federico Valverde’s position after seeing the Uruguayan international essay several roles in the 2025/26 season thus far. The Real Madrid boss said, “The great thing about Fede is that he’d be top quality even as a goalkeeper. I have him at my disposal like all the players. His footballing ability is so impressive that he’d be effective anywhere.”

The other day, I put him in his natural position, where he feels most comfortable, but I see him as a fantastic captain. He’s shown it in recent months, playing wherever he’s been asked. With me, he’ll do the same, and we’ll see him in many positions because he gives us so much.”

Thibaut Courtois will replace Andriy Lunin between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him against Levante on Saturday. The backline will feature Dani Carvajal, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras.

As for the midfield unit, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham will line up in the middle of the park. Finally, Federico Valverde will reprise an advanced role on the right flank, joining Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior in the offensive trifecta. So, Kylian Mbappe will be a backup option on the bench as Arbeloa attempts to rebuild the Frenchman’s fitness.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Valverde, Garcia, Vinicius Junior