Real Madrid XI vs. Real Sociedad: Vini Jr, Mbappé Decisions Made—Injury News, Predicted Lineup

Madrid—Real Madrid return to the Bernabéu on Saturday night to confront an in-form Real Sociedad side that has not tasted defeat in 11 consecutive matches and sits just outside the European places in La Liga. For new Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa, the fixture represents the sternest examination yet of his perfect league record since taking charge.

Vinicius Junior will be unleashed from the opening whistle after completing a one-match ban for yellow-card accumulation, while Kylian Mbappé has been passed fit despite a late-week fitness concern. Their availability offsets the continued absence of Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, both sidelined with hamstring problems.

Across the touchline, Pellegrino Matarazzo has transformed Sociedad into a counter-attacking juggernaut. The Basques are within reach of a Copa del Rey final berth—likely against Atlético Madrid—and arrive in the capital brimming with confidence.

Between the posts, Thibaut Courtois will look to build on last weekend’s clean sheet at Mestalla, though the Belgian is expected to remain busy against a side that transitions with ruthless pace. Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently returned from a pair of hamstring setbacks, could be thrust straight into the starting XI as Arbeloa weighs star power against match sharpness.

In central defense, Raúl Asencio’s composed display against Valencia should keep Antonio Rüdiger on the bench, while Dean Huijsen is set to continue marshaling the area in front of Courtois. At left-back, Álvaro Carreras—an unlikely goalscorer last time out—retains his spot with Ferland Mendy still easing back into full training.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde are poised to anchor midfield, the Uruguayan having shifted between right-back and central duties all season. Ahead of them, Arda Güler’s creativity will be vital against a Sociedad block that baits opponents before exploding forward.

Franco Mastantuono is in contention for a recall on the right wing, the Argentine teenager eager to mark his Bernabéu breakthrough, while Vinicius Junior’s return on the opposite flank restores Madrid’s primary source of one-v-one chaos. Through the middle, Mbappé—La Liga’s leading scorer under Arbeloa—will spearhead an attack that could ignite a high-scoring affair.

Kickoff is set for Saturday night, with Madrid aiming to leapfrog rivals at the summit and Sociedad seeking to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinicius Junior; Mbappé.