Castilla Bolsters Squad with Rachad Fettal's Return

Real Madrid‘s Castilla team is set to welcome back a key player as Rachad Fettal receives medical clearance to return to competitive action in 2026. The young forward, who had been sidelined for nearly four months due to a tendon injury sustained while representing Spain’s U20 team on September 4, is poised to make a significant impact in the second half of the season. His absence was deeply felt during the initial phase, where he struggled to regain full fitness after an attempted comeback in late October led to further complications.

Fettal, a highly regarded signing from the summer transfer window, was expected to enhance Castilla’s attacking options following the departure of Victor Muñoz to Osasuna and Gonzalo Garcia‘s promotion to the first team. The 20-year-old showcased his potential during pre-season, netting five goals and impressing head coach Álvaro Arbeloa. His only official appearance thus far came in the opening match against Lugo, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Castilla. With the team currently sitting fourth in the league and aiming for playoff contention, Fettal’s return could be pivotal.

Fettal’s Impact on Castilla’s Ambitions

As Arbeloa prepares for the upcoming clash against Arenteiro on January 4, the return of Fettal is a much-needed boost. The squad has faced challenges recently, with thirteen players unavailable during their last match against Celta B, which resulted in a narrow 1-0 defeat. In addition to Fettal, Arbeloa will also welcome back three players who missed the previous two fixtures due to international duty with Spain’s U19 squad: Mario Rivas, Aguado, and Yáñez. Álvaro Ginés is also expected to return after recovering from a minor muscle injury.

Additional Reinforcements and Challenges Ahead

Fettal isn’t the only player returning; Castilla has seen several key figures sidelined due to injuries and suspensions. Recent matches have seen contributions from Cestero, Thiago Pitarch, and David Jiménez as they filled gaps left by absentees. Furthermore, Loren Zúñiga, who participated in the Africa Cup of Nations with Equatorial Guinea, will be available after his team’s elimination from the tournament. However, challenges remain as Manuel Ángel is suspended while De Llanos, Roberto Martín, and Manu Serrano are still nursing injuries.

With this influx of returning players, Arbeloa’s squad looks ready to tackle the second half of the season head-on. As they seek to solidify their position for promotion playoffs, one question lingers: can Rachad Fettal recapture his pre-injury form and lead Castilla back into contention?