“Real Madrid without stars: Surprising call-ups for the match against Benfica.”

The absence of [Kylian Mbappé](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/anthony-gordon-por-que-o-manchester-united-esta-confiante-na-contratacao/) from the [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/arbitros-ganham-medalhas-por-expulsarem-mourinho-revela-investigacao/) squad for the crucial clash against Benfica in the second leg of the [UEFA Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/bodo-glimt-surpreende-com-estatisticas-impressionantes-da-sua-conquista-historica/) left fans in shock. The French international, who was expected to shine at the Estádio da Luz, left the last training session with complaints about his left knee, a piece of information initially reported by L’Équipe and now officially confirmed by the Merengue club. The news could not be more alarming for [Álvaro Arbeloa](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/alternativas-fracas-no-banco-geram-preocupacao-no-real-madrid/), who is forced to face one of the biggest challenges of the season without one of his key stars.

On Tuesday morning, [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/real-madrid-disposto-a-pagar-87-milhoes-por-estrela-do-manchester-united/) released the list of players called up, and the biggest surprise was undoubtedly Mbappé’s absence. To make matters worse, [Dean Huijsen](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/xabi-alonso-revela-conversa-sobre-a-ida-de-jovem-jogador-para-o-real-madrid/) also failed to recover in time, joining a squad already weakened by injuries. Ceballos, Bellingham, and Éder Militão are other well-known names that will be unavailable, putting additional pressure on the team that is fighting to secure a place in the knockout stage of the prestigious European competition.

The Merengues, aware of the gravity of the moment, have opted to call up several young talents to strengthen the bench. The return of Asensio, who served a suspension, offers a slight relief to the situation, while Rodrygo will have to wait for one more match to fulfill his suspension. The team’s dynamics are about to be tested like never before.

Here is the complete list of call-ups, which reveals Arbeloa’s strategy to face this monumental challenge:

**Goalkeepers:** Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González.

**Defenders:** Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Asensio, Carreras, Fran García, Rudiger, and Mendy.

**Midfielders:** Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Gule, Cestero, Manuel Ángel, Palacios, and Thiago.

**Forwards:** Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García, Brahim Díaz, and Mastantuono.

Fans of Real Madrid are now in an uproar, questioning how the team will overcome adversity and secure a crucial victory without their key players. Expectations are high, and the outcome of this clash could determine the club’s future in the competition. What is at stake is more than just a simple passage to the knockout stage; it is the honor and pride of one of the world’s greatest clubs. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on the Merengues’ response on the pitch.