Real Madrid will be without seven first-team players for their La Liga clash against Espanyol on Saturday, February 1, 2026, as Carlo Ancelotti faces a selection crisis ahead of the trip to the RCDE Stadium.
The Italian coach confirmed the absences during his pre-match press conference on Friday, January 31, 2026, revealing that the list of unavailable players includes key figures across all areas of the pitch.
Defensive duo David Alaba and Eder Militão remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries, while Ferland Mendy is also out due to a muscular problem. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga is unavailable after picking up a knock in training earlier this week.
The attacking department has been hit hardest. Vinícius Júnior is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, while Rodrygo misses out with a hamstring strain. Kylian Mbappé is also absent after failing to recover from a thigh issue sustained in the Copa del Rey match against Celta Vigo on January 22, 2026.
Ancelotti confirmed that the club’s medical staff advised against risking Mbappé for the fixture. “We don’t want to take any chances with Kylian. He feels discomfort, and with the schedule ahead, it’s better to be cautious,” the manager stated.
The absences mean Real Madrid will likely field a much-changed starting eleven compared to their 3-1 win over Valladolid on January 26, 2026. Youngsters Arda Güler and Endrick are expected to feature more prominently, with Ancelotti hinting at rotations during his press conference.
Espanyol, who sit 15th in the table, will look to exploit Madrid’s depleted squad. The home side are unbeaten in their last three league matches at the RCDE Stadium, having drawn 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao on January 19, 2026, and beaten Getafe 2-0 on January 12, 2026.
Real Madrid currently lead La Liga with 52 points from 21 matches, four points clear of second-placed Barcelona. A win against Espanyol would extend that advantage before Barcelona face Valencia on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
Kick-off at the RCDE Stadium is scheduled for 21:00 local time on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
