The final stretch of LaLiga has brought unexpected challenges for Real Madrid, who will host Mallorca this Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu with a squad heavily affected by absences. With ten first-team players unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti has had to call up eight academy players to complete the list, giving a golden opportunity to the club’s rising talents.

Real Madrid’s squad hit by 10 absences and full of academy talent

The list of injuries is long and significant. Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vázquez, Vinícius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes will all miss the match due to physical problems. Additionally, Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards.

Faced with this situation, the Italian coach has turned to the Real Madrid Castilla and youth sides. Eight youngsters have been named in the squad: goalkeeper Sergio Mestre; defenders Youssef ‘Yusi’, Jacobo Ramón, David Jiménez, and Mario Rivas; midfielder Chema Andrés; and forwards Gonzalo García and Víctor Muñoz.

Víctor Muñoz, in particular, already made his debut recently in El Clásico, though it was not a dream start. In the 89th minute, he had a golden chance to equalize against Barcelona, but missed in a one-on-one situation. The moment triggered a wave of harsh criticism on social media, forcing him to limit comments on his posts. Despite that, he’s been included again, a clear vote of confidence from the coaching staff.

This match will also be special for Carlo Ancelotti, as it marks his penultimate appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid manager. On May 26, he will officially take over as Brazil’s new national team coach, bringing his era at the Spanish club to a close.

The full Real Madrid squad list to face Mallorca is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre.
Defenders: Vallejo, Fran García, Asencio, Youssef, Jacobo, David Jiménez, Mario Rivas.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modrić, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Chema Andrés.
Forwards: Mbappé, Endrick, Brahim, Gonzalo García, Víctor Muñoz.

With a mix of veterans and fresh talent, Real Madrid will look to secure three vital points at home against a Mallorca side that won’t make things easy.