🚨 Álvaro Arbeloa: “It’s not an excuse but we have had many injuries this season”. “We have lost many, many points in ga Photo via @Fabrizio Romano on X

What happened

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has pointed to a relentless injury crisis as the primary cause for the club’s failed 2025-26 campaign. Speaking after the club was mathematically eliminated from the title race, Arbeloa lamented the loss of crucial points in matches where his squad was missing core starters.

Why it matters

The comments follow a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona on May 10 that confirmed Madrid's first trophyless season in five years. Arbeloa remains under pressure as rumors of a José Mourinho return intensify following the club's early exits from the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

The data edge

Real Madrid sits 2nd in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by 14 points with three games left. The injury list currently includes Kylian Mbappé (hamstring), Rodrygo (ACL), and Federico Valverde (concussion), totaling nine sidelined first-team players.

What to watch

The club will play its final three fixtures against mid-table opposition while the board evaluates a potential managerial change for the 2026-27 season.

Sources