After the conclusion of this season’s final international break, Real Madrid is set to continue their campaign this weekend with an away match against Mallorca.
However, the spotlight will be on their upcoming Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, with the first leg of the quarterfinal scheduled for Tuesday.
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As they prepare for this crucial tie, coach Alvaro Arbeloa is confronted with a significant selection challenge, especially concerning the left-back position, according to MARCA.
Who are Arbeloa’s three options?
Arbeloa finds himself with multiple choices at left-back, as three players vie for a starting spot in the lineup.
The contenders include Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and Ferland Mendy, all of whom are expected to be available for the match against Bayern Munich.
Will Carreras be favored over Garcia and Mendy? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Carreras is the preferred starter; however, he has had issues with injuries lately.
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Mendy, on the other hand, has endured a tougher injury record and was sidelined until the end of March due to a hamstring issue.
Theoretically, he should be available for the Bayern match, but there are concerns about his fitness. Nevertheless, when called upon, Mendy frequently demonstrates his value.
This brings us to the final contender, Garcia. The Spanish left-back was on the verge of departing Real Madrid in the January transfer window and even bid farewell to his teammates at Valdebebas.
Ultimately, he remained and unexpectedly became Real Madrid’s preferred selection against Manchester City. He has excelled since then and will strongly advocate for a starting role over Carreras and Mendy in the upcoming match against Bayern Munich.
Thus, Arbeloa is faced with a selection dilemma as he aims to field his strongest lineup when Real Madrid meets the Bavarians on Tuesday.