Real Madrid will be missing eight first-team players when they play Alaves in their final game of 2023. The team aims to reach 45 points in the 18 La Liga games before the winter break. Unfortunately, a number of important players were injured and unable to play, including David Alaba who was injured in the recent victory against Villarreal. Alaba suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out of the remainder of the season, while Thibaut Courtois and Eder Miglio are facing similar injuries.
Junicius Van Nisius, Eduardo Camaviniga, Alda Gulerle and Danny Carvajal are also unavailable. Edouard Mendy was also unavailable due to an injury sustained in the final game. However, Joseroux was briefly doubtful due to his ill condition but has been included in the list and his condition will be assessed on the day of the match. The absence of the defensive line led to the selection of Vinicius Tobias, Raul Asensio, Nico Paz and Gonzalo García.
Aureen Teguiameni is likely to join Antonio Rudiger in defence, although Nacho is more likely to be selected. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will start against Alaves instead of Andriy Luning. Carlo Ancelotti praised Lunin's progress but mentioned he wanted to reward the two goalkeepers. Real Madrid are currently second in the La Liga table, two points behind leaders Sporting Gijón. Sporting Gijón will take on Betis and try to win to keep them at the top of the standings at the end of the year.