There Will Be a Surprise in the Starting Eleven Against Arsenal, Ancelotti Knows It Can Be Decisive

The injuries recorded this season have significantly altered Real Madrid's competitive roadmap in practically all competitions. One of the key footballers currently in Valdebebas's infirmary is Ferland Mendy: the French '23' is the favorite to occupy the left-back position. His natural replacement, Fran García, is not in a truly advantageous situation.

While it is true that Real Madrid brought back the Castilian-Manchego '20' to have an alternative to the French defender, his inconsistent performances haven't convinced the coaching staff. The information published by 'Relevo' reveals those doubts of the Madrid coaches regarding the performance of Fran García, who could remain on the bench for the match at Emirates Stadium.

The mentioned digital media indicates that the doubts about Fran García's performance have led the white coaches to consider an alternative and urgent solution for that position. While it is true that Carlo Ancelotti fully trusts Eduardo Camavinga, the French '6' already has the pivot position reserved for the clash against Arsenal... given the absence of Aurélien Tchouaméni due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Meanwhile, 'Relevo' states that David Alaba would be chosen to act as left-back at Emirates Stadium. The members of the coaching staff "trust in the experience" of the Austrian '4' in that position, where he made a career for years at Bayern Munich, for this Champions League match. It will be a trial by fire for the European footballer, whose performance hasn't been the best since his return.

Golden Opportunity

Indeed, David Alaba has been more than a year without stepping onto the field due to his serious injury. The initial cruciate ligament rupture led to complications with the cartilage in his knee, which brought him close to retirement. Nothing could be further from the truth, as the Madrid '4' overcame those problems and was able to obtain medical and competitive clearance.

Furthermore, at Real Madrid, they understand that the Austrian center-back will be eager to redeem himself after two matches that haven't been particularly good on an individual level. Besides the defeat against Valencia, David Alaba was marked by the misfortune of his two own goals in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

With that decision anticipated by 'Relevo', Real Madrid recovers David Alaba as left-back at a delicate moment in the 24/25 season. Carlo Ancelotti's pupils are playing a significant part of the current season in that match at Emirates Stadium, so they want to have their best footballers.

The confirmation of David Alaba as left-back for the match against Arsenal opens a new debate about the future of the Austrian '4'. Although he still has a contract until the summer of 2026, the predicted changes for the center-back roster place him at the forefront of market rumors... and leave certain doubts about his annual renewal beyond the current limit of his contract with the entity presided over by Florentino Pérez.