Real Madrid head into Saturday’s La Liga finale at the Santiago Bernabéu with mixed news: Fede Valverde has returned to training and Dani Carvajal is fit to start in a planned Bernabéu farewell, while Aurélien Tchouaméni’s muscle issue, Vinícius Júnior’s personal leave and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s illness leave Carlo Ancelotti weighing selection choices ahead of Athletic Club’s season-ender.
Training roundup: Valverde back, Carvajal set for farewell
Real Madrid completed a final training session at Valdebebas ahead of the La Liga finale against Athletic Club. The standout positives were Fede Valverde’s return after a knock and Dani Carvajal’s full participation, with the veteran full-back expected to start in what will be an emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
What Valverde’s return means
Valverde coming back lifts a midfield burden. His tenacity and engine offer balance between defensive cover and forward momentum, the exact profile Ancelotti needs if Aurélien Tchouaméni is sidelined. Expect Valverde to be in contention for the starting XI and to play a pivotal role in containing Athletic’s transition threats.
Absences and fitness concerns
Aurélien Tchouaméni remained indoors with muscle discomfort and looks unlikely to feature, forcing tactical adjustments in central midfield. Vinícius Júnior was absent on compassionate leave and may begin his off-season break early, creating uncertainty in Real Madrid’s attacking options. Trent Alexander-Arnold missed training with a viral infection.
Ongoing recovery cases
Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo continued individual recovery programmes away from the group, meaning they are probable doubts for immediate selection and could be managed conservatively ahead of the summer.
Carvajal’s send-off: more than sentiment
Carvajal training normally signals a planned start and a club-curated farewell at the Bernabéu. Beyond the ceremony, his presence stabilises the right flank defensively and offers leadership on the pitch. For a team that will be managing multiple absences, keeping a steady, experienced full-back is a practical advantage as well as a symbolic moment.
Tactical implications for Ancelotti
With Tchouaméni’s status uncertain and several forwards and defenders in recovery, Ancelotti faces limited but clear choices. Valverde’s availability allows for a midfield pairing that can safeguard against Athletic’s physical directness. If Vinícius is unavailable, the coach must rely on other wide options or reshuffle around Jude Bellingham and pressing focal points to maintain attacking fluidity.
Why this matters
The season finale is both a competitive fixture and a roster management puzzle. Real Madrid must balance a desire to finish strongly at the Bernabéu, provide Carvajal a fitting send-off, and avoid aggravating knocks before the off-season. Selection this weekend could hint at who Ancelotti trusts to close the campaign and who the club will prioritise for rest or rehabilitation.
What to watch on matchday
Check starting XI clues for Valverde’s role, Carvajal’s position and the presence—or absence—of Vinícius. Watch how Real handle Athletic’s intensity in transitions, and whether Ancelotti adopts a conservative setup to protect fitness or pushes for a statement win at the Bernabéu.
Next steps
Final confirmations will come in the team sheet before kick-off. For players nursing issues, the priority is recovery over risk.
For fans, this weekend offers a goodbye for Carvajal and a last chance to see where Real Madrid stand physically and tactically as they head into the close of the season.
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