Diaz Benched Against Real Sociedad, Mbappé Also Starts from Bench

14 February 2026at19:17

Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad this Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 (GMT+1) as part of Matchday 24 of the Spanish League.

The squad announced by coach Álvaro Arbeloa revealed that Moroccan international Brahim Diaz continues to be absent from the starting lineup. He has been kept on the bench for the fourth consecutive match since his return from participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.

French star Kylian Mbappé is also among the substitutes, having missed the previous fixture due to a knee injury. This decision appears to be a precautionary measure, aimed at avoiding any risks and gradually reintroducing him to competitive action.

Real Madrid's lineup: Courtois - Arnold, Rüdiger, Hyssen, Carreras - Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Güler - Vinicius, Gonzalo Garcia.

Q&A

Why is Kylian Mbappé starting on the bench for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad?

Kylian Mbappé is on the bench as a precautionary measure following a knee injury that kept him out of the previous fixture. This decision aims to gradually reintroduce him to competitive play.

What is the significance of Brahim Diaz's continued absence from Real Madrid's starting lineup?

Brahim Diaz has been kept on the bench for the fourth consecutive match since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, a notable decision by coach Álvaro Arbeloa for this Real Sociedad fixture.

Diaz Benched Against Real Sociedad, Mbappé Also Starts from Bench

Q&A

Why is Kylian Mbappé starting on the bench for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad?

What is the significance of Brahim Diaz's continued absence from Real Madrid's starting lineup?

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