Real Madrid has embarked on a new chapter following the departure of Xabi Alonso as head coach and the swift appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement, with Argentine Franco Mastantuono poised for a potential return to the scene.
In his first hours in charge, the new manager has already made a decision directly involving Mastantuono. According to the Argentine News Agency, the Argentine could return to the starting lineup this Wednesday against Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Arbeloa plans to reinstate the former River Plate player in the starting eleven, leveraging the fact that he has already overcome the pubalgia that sidelined him for over 40 days.
The coaching staff's intention is for the Argentine to regain competitive rhythm in a favorable context, after losing ground in the pecking order during the final stretch of Alonso's tenure.
Mastantuuno had a promising start upon joining the Spanish side, receiving an ovation at the Bernabéu and logging significant minutes on the pitch.
However, following the injury, his participation was drastically reduced: just five matches and 95 minutes played, with sporadic appearances and several call-ups without any game time, which relegated him in the offensive rotation.
Now, with a new coach and a different scenario, another opportunity has opened up for him.
Arbeloa took charge less than 48 hours ago and in his official debut, he could opt to start the Argentine, which would be only his second start in the last two months.
For Mastantuono, the match against Albacete appears as a crucial chance to relaunch his season and fight his way back into a squad of the highest demands.
