Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly omitted Dani Ceballos from his squad for Friday’s game against Real Betis following a breakdown in their relationship.
Ceballos’ name was conspicuous by its absence for the 1-1 draw, with academy graduates Cestero and Manuel Angel preferred on the bench.
A report in Spanish outlet AS claimed that Ceballos was not injured, rather Arbeloa’s decision not to include the midfielder was purely a tactical decision.
It also came despite Aurelien Tchouameni being ruled out of the game at the last minute.
The report adds that Ceballos, who spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, has grown frustrated over his lack of playing time.
Ceballos has played 22 times in all competitions this season, but just seven of those have been starts.
Dani Ceballos (left) was reportedly left out of Real Madrid’s squad for Friday’s draw at Real Betis following a breakdown in his relationship with boss Alvaro Arbeloa
It has been reported that Arbeloa’s relationship with the midfielder has deteriorated recently
He has been a regular squad member at the Bernabeu since joining from Betis in 2017 but rarely a first-choice option, although he has still racked up 214 appearances for the club.
His exasperation over a lack of action is said to have contributed to a deterioration in his relationship with Arbeloa, leading to his exile.
Ceballos last started a league game back in November when Xabi Alonso was manager, and he hasn’t even featured off the bench since February.
When asked about Ceballos’ absence, Arbeloa simply said: ‘I bring in the players I deem appropriate.’
He was then pressed on whether there had been some sort of incident, to which he added: ‘I always bring in the players I deem appropriate.’
A report in Spanish outlet El Periodico Mediterraneo went further and suggested Ceballos had been involved in a heated row with Arbeloa this week.
Ceballos (left) spent two seasons in the Premier League at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021
Meanwhile, Ceballos almost left the club last summer, but pulled out of a move to Marseille at the last minute.
His snub this week increases the uncertainty surrounding his future, with Betis – who scored a 94th-minute equaliser to take a point on Friday – one club touted with an interest in him this summer.
The frustrating draw left Real 11 points adrift of Barcelona and they face the prospect of failing to win a trophy this season after a difficult campaign.
Arbeloa’s side were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the last-16 by lower league outfit Albacete, while Bayern Munich beat them 6-4 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals.
They were also defeated by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that proved to be the final straw for Alonso.
