Real Madrid have confirmed that one of their key defenders, sidelined by a recent muscle issue, will travel with the squad to Saudi Arabia and has not been ruled out of participating in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final next week.

The defender missed the team’s first match of 2026 after suffering a rectus muscle injury in training earlier this week, but recent assessments suggest he has recovered sufficiently to join preparations for the high-profile tournament.

His inclusion in the travelling party offers a boost to manager Xabi Alonso as Los Blancos look to compete for silverware at the season’s first major fixture.

The Spanish Super Cup, hosted in Saudi Arabia, will see Real Madrid face Atlético Madrid in their semi-final tie, with the winner advancing to play either Barcelona or Athletic Club for the trophy.

The fixture comes amid a busy schedule for Real Madrid, who also return to domestic action in La Liga this weekend.

Despite the positive update on the defender’s fitness and travel plans, the squad continues to manage several other injury concerns, including the expected absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé due to a knee sprain that could sideline him for several weeks.

Alonso has stressed the importance of squad depth and careful management of player fitness as the season unfolds.

With Copa del Rey and Champions League commitments on the horizon, Real Madrid’s ability to integrate returning defenders into key matches like the Spanish Super Cup is seen as critical to sustaining a competitive edge.

The defender’s presence on the trip to Saudi Arabia underscores the club’s cautious optimism over his recovery trajectory, even as the team balances competing priorities and the demands of a congested calendar.