Why Trent, Rudiger, and Carreras Are Not Playing Against Girona?

Real Madrid are all set to host Catalan club Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 31 of the 2025/26 La Liga. Los Blancos are coming off a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, but they need to shrug off the result to focus and keep their chances alive in the domestic league.

Well, the squad list is out for the game, and Sportsdunia has noted some important absentees. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and one of the best left-backs in the world currently, Alvaro Carreras, miss out on this home game.

In this article, we will take a look at why these players aren't included in the squad list and who can replace them on the pitch for the Royal Whites.

Three Key Players Not Included In The Squad For Girona

Problems in defence have been a persistent factor for Real Madrid for the past couple of seasons, something they haven't found a fix for until now. On top of that, three defenders who have performed most decently this term have been rested for the game against Girona.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who put in a good shift against Bayern in the first leg by bagging an important assist, is missing from the final squad. Antonio Rudiger is the centre back who has been rested, along with left-back Alvaro Carreras.

While one of the best football clubs in the world, currently, Real Madrid, hasn't addressed any injury concerns about these players, it looks like more of a precautionary measure ahead of the crucial second leg away at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League next week.

Who Replaces Who In The Real Madrid vs Girona?

With Trent unavailable for this game, Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal is the favourite to start as a right-back. The Spanish veteran has struggled for minutes under Alvaro Arbeloa since making his return from injury, but will want to put in a strong shift on the right-hand side and send a clear statement ahead of the Bayern Munich game.

Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen are expected to start as centre-backs. Arbeloa also has the option of playing Raul Asencio, if he wants to rest either of his first-choice centre-backs.

Ferland Mendy is back in the squad and might get some minutes in this match as preparation for the quarterfinal game. Fran Garcia can get a rare start as well, as Arbeloa would like to have every option open.