Before visiting Munich for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, Real Madrid will host Girona at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Friday, April 10, as part of La Liga’s matchday 31.

After being defeated in their last match against Mallorca and falling seven points behind Barcelona in the title race, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side has no choice but to take all three points to keep their hopes alive.

Injuries and doubts for the match:

Rodrygo (knee), Thibaut Courtois (thigh), and Franco Mastantuono (suspended).

GK: Andriy Lunin – The Ukrainian will continue to fill in for the injured Courtois. Against Mallorca, he was shot at twice on target, and both ended in goals.

RB: Dani Carvajal – With Trent Alexander-Arnold worn down from the last two matches, the experienced fullback is expected to return to the starting lineup.

CB: Eder Militao – The Brazilian is gradually regaining rhythm after a long period of inactivity. He came on against Mallorca and also against Bayern Munich.

CB: Dean Huijsen – The young center back was substituted in the last two matches, showing signs of physical decline. In La Liga, he has played 22 matches, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists.

LB: Fran Garcia – In the rotation Arbeloa will implement, one player who could get another chance is the academy product, instead of Carreras. In the current league season, he has played 9 matches and scored one goal, against Betis.

CM: Federico Valverde – The captain always wants to play, and although the second leg in Munich is the priority, he will not miss the match against Girona. His good long-range shooting can be a key weapon to open the scoring.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Another regular starter who will remain in the lineup, due to his hierarchy, and because, after receiving another yellow card against Bayern, he will not be available for the second leg. So far, he has played 27 of 30 possible matches.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Against Mallorca, he completed 69 minutes before being replaced by Bellingham. Precisely, the Englishman could appear in his place if Arbeloa opts to give the Englishman some rhythm.

CM: Arda Guler – A perfect assist man in La Liga for the Turkish player, who has scored 4 goals and provided 8 assists in the competition. With his vision and great passing ability, he is a key player to supply the fast attackers up front.

CF: Brahim Diaz – Vini has been dealing with some muscle problems, so it is assumed Arbeloa will protect him, and the Moroccan will take his place. He has not yet scored in La Liga this season, though he has provided 5 assists.

CF: Kylian Mbappe – Madrid’s and La Liga’s top scorer (23 goals) will be the main attacking threat in Friday’s match. Against Girona, he has already scored two goals in three matches.

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