Report – Reason why Real Madrid midfield duo miss out against Real Betis

Ceballos has been left out by Arbeloa vs Real Betis. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Of the two, Tchouameni’s absence will come as a huge blow for Real Madrid, considering that he is a permanent fixture in the team and has been a consistent performer.

So far this term, the French international has featured 45 times across all competitions, even scoring and assisting two goals apiece.

Considering that he had already missed a couple of games earlier in the season due to hamstring issues, it makes sense for Real Madrid to not take any risks with his fitness.

Ceballos, on the other hand, has barely played for Arbeloa. Indeed, the 29-year-old midfielder has played only 22 games this term (810 minutes), of which only five have come under the current manager (144 minutes).

It has become clear that Arbeloa does not count on Ceballos, who is expected to leave in the summer. And, as such, the manager has opted to leave him out of the squad and instead count on youngsters like Jorge Cestero, Manuel Angel, and Thiago Pitarch.