Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly left Dani Ceballos out of his squad for Friday's 1-1 draw against Real Betis following a deterioration in their relationship. The midfielder's absence was notable, with academy graduates Cestero and Manuel Angel taking places on the bench instead.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Ceballos was not injured, and Arbeloa's decision was purely tactical. This came despite Aurelien Tchouameni being ruled out at the last minute. Ceballos, who spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal from 2019 to 2021, has grown frustrated over his lack of playing time. He has made 22 appearances this season in all competitions, but only seven have been starts.
Ceballos has been a regular squad member at the Bernabeu since joining from Betis in 2017 but has rarely been a first-choice option, although he has accumulated 214 appearances for the club. His frustration over limited action is said to have contributed to the breakdown in his relationship with Arbeloa, leading to his exile.
Ceballos last started a league game in November under then-manager Xabi Alonso and has not even featured off the bench since February. When asked about Ceballos' absence, Arbeloa simply stated: 'I bring in the players I deem appropriate.' Pressed on whether there had been an incident, he repeated: 'I always bring in the players I deem appropriate.'
A report in El Periodico Mediterraneo suggested that Ceballos had been involved in a heated argument with Arbeloa earlier this week. Ceballos almost left the club last summer but pulled out of a move to Marseille at the last minute.
His omission increases uncertainty over his future, with Betis—who scored a 94th-minute equaliser on Friday—touted as a potential destination this summer. The frustrating draw left Real Madrid 11 points adrift of Barcelona, and they face the prospect of a trophyless season after being knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete, losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, and falling to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
