Why is Endrick Not Playing in Alaves vs Real Madrid Tonight?

Real Madrid's visit to the Estadio de Mendizorroza will be a crucial game for the continuity of its current manager, Xabi Alonso, as the club struggles with consistency and trails seven points behind rivals Barcelona. After Endrick's very short yet impactful cameo in the 1-2 defeat against Manchester City, fans would be eager, asking, "Is Endrick playing today?" The definitive answer is no. Endrick is confirmed to be unavailable for Real Madrid in this crucial fixture due to a recent disciplinary issue. This absence is a key talking point as the Spanish giants navigate a tough away game.

A Straight Red Card Suspension

Many must be wondering, ‘Is Endrick Playing in Alaves vs Real Madrid?' Well, the answer is 'No' solely for a suspension. During Real Madrid's recent La Liga defeat at Celta Vigo, the Brazilian was given a straight red card. The late-in-the-match incident was reportedly for dissent towards the referee. According to the disciplinary code of the Spanish Football Federation, RFEF, a straight red for dissent usually carries a ban for several games. A two-game ban has been slapped on Endrick, and with the match against Alaves the first of these two games, he has been ruled out there and then. This absolute suspension is why fans will not get to see him take to the field tonight.

This latest loan agreement has further complicated the question of "Is Endrick playing today?" The 21-year-old only joined Real Madrid in July, yet reports say he will leave the club on loan in January for Olympique Lyon to try to get regular first-team minutes. However, the immediate reason for his current absence is purely disciplinary, to ensure that he cannot be selected for the match against Alaves.

Deportivo Alaves vs Real Madrid Without Endrick

Real Madrid is set to play at the Mendizorrotza Stadium for their encounter with Alaves, who are struggling with their form, besides having a long list of injured players. Los Blancos' weakened squad is expected to affect coach Xabi Alonso, who will not be able to count on players such as Endrick, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras. That's not all; in total, nine players will be unavailable for Real Madrid, be it for suspension or injuries.

Having ‘Is Endrick Playing in Alaves vs Real Madrid?’ answer 'No' means Real Madrid would not be able to count on the presence of the dynamic center-forward player who could be brought into the team to change the course of the match. Conversely, Real Madrid would look to the experience of players such as Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, or Jude Bellingham to break down an opponent who is fighting for a position that would ensure they stay far away from the relegation table. Real Madrid’s opponents, Alaves, are recognized as a defensively sound team that would look to capitalize on Real Madrid’s current set of poor results. Though Endrick is yet to play for Real Madrid from the bench this season, his playing absence is yet another worry for Alonso.