Statistically, the current campaign has been one to forget for the Utrera native. Ceballos has played only 25% of the total available minutes when fit, totalling just 810 minutes across 36 matches. His influence has waned significantly since Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, with the midfielder featuring for only 16% of the possible minutes under the current coaching setup,AS reports. His last start in La Liga dates back to November, highlighting his transition to a strictly peripheral role.
The lack of continuity was further exacerbated by a soleus muscle injury suffered in February during a brief cameo against Osasuna. Though he has now returned to group training and is nearing a competitive comeback, he enters the final stretch of the season with zero rhythm and immense competition. Even during matches where key veterans like Bellingham were rested, Ceballos often found himself behind academy graduates like Manuel Angel in the substitution rotation.