Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, now recovered from the injury sustained in the Spanish Super Cup, Brahim Diaz, back from the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, and Alvaro Carreras, who returns from suspension, headline Alvaro Arbeloa's squad for Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal in LaLiga Matchday 21.

Real Madrid still contend with the same injury woes in defence, missing Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni also misses out due to a yellow card accumulation suspension.

Arbeloa welcomes back Carreras, who served a suspension in the Champions League clash against Monaco. He also rotates the academy players called up to the first team squad, bringing in full-back Diego Aguado and central midfielder Jorge Cestero.

Brazilian forward Rodrygo makes his return at the second attempt, having missed this week's European fixture. He has now fully recovered from the knock he picked up in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, after pushing himself in the final. Since then, he has missed three matches: Albacete, Levante and Monaco.

Meanwhile, Brahim last featured for Real Madrid on 14 December, making his final appearance against Alaves before departing to represent Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. After just two training sessions, Arbeloa has called him up.

Real Madrid squad vs Villarreal:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Andriy Lunin and Sergio Mestre.

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras and Diego Aguado.

Midfielders: Fede Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham and Jorge Cestero.

Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mastantuono, Brahim, Gonzalo and Mbappe.

Brahim Díaz

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