With Courtois left in Madrid to rest, the goalkeeping situation for the Copa del Rey tie is resolved: Andriy Lunin will start between the sticks. The Ukrainian international has proved his worth on numerous occasions and will be the senior figure in a defensive unit that looks vastly different from the club’s gala XI.
The rest of the lineup remains a tactical puzzle. Arbeloa has travelled with three first-team centre-backs in David Alaba, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen, alongside full-backs Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia. The question facing the rookie manager is whether to rely on this experienced core or to rotate further by introducing the likes of David Jimenez or Joan Martínez into the backline.
In midfield, the options are equally tight. Arbeloa has four first-team midfielders available, supplemented by three from the B-team. However, the attack is where the squad looks thinnest. Only three recognised forwards have made the list: Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo and Franco Mastantuono. Barring a tactical shift, it appears likely that this trio will lead the line, placing significant responsibility on Vinicius to guide his younger partners through the match.
The trip to Albacete is the first hurdle in what promises to be an emotional week for Arbeloa. His primary objective is to ensure Real Madrid remain alive in the Copa del Rey, a title that represents his first realistic shot at silverware as a manager. A victory is non-negotiable to avoid an early crisis.