Alvaro Arbeloa juggles Real Madrid's makeshift defence ahead of Villarreal test

There was some cautious optimism from Valdebebas after Raul Asencio was substituted at half-time in the recent Champions League win over Monaco. The young defender picked up a shin problem but was expected to be available for selection. Even so, any involvement would likely come with a degree of risk, as he was not expected to be at one hundred percent.

The wider picture remained worrying. Antonio Rudiger had not returned to full training and continued to be carefully managed by the medical staff. Eder Militao was still sidelined with a long-term injury, while David Alaba was continuing his recovery and was operating under clear physical limitations following his serious knee problem.

Arbeloa's options were further reduced by the suspension of Aurelien Tchouameni, removing a potential solution for defensive reshuffles. As things stand, Dean Huijsen is the only centre-back arriving in peak condition, although he has only recently returned from a spell out with muscle issues.

The instability threatens to impact the rest of the side. Federico Valverde had already been used out of position, and if doubts remained over Asencio, Arbeloa could be forced to use Alvaro Carreras as an emergency centre-back.

That move would weaken the left side, potentially dragging Eduardo Camavinga away from midfield and further testing the team's balance against a dangerous Villarreal side.