Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has reiterated that he is “counting” on Rodrygo following yet another snub.
Rodrygo was an unused substitute for Los Blancos on Tuesday night as they kicked off their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 1-0 win at home to 10-man Osasuna.
Not only was Brahim Diaz selected to start in Real Madrid’s front three – alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior – but Gonzalo Garcia and summer signing Franco Mastantuono were chosen ahead of the Brazilian to appear in the second half.
This decision is hot on the heels of Rodrygo playing a bit-part role at the Club World Cup earlier in the summer as he made just three appearances throughout the competition.
Though, Alonso – who insisted before the game that the Brazilian is part of his plans – said in the post-match press conference that the 24-year-old’s latest absence was for tactical reasons.
He said: “These are match decisions. The way the match was going, we needed another profile. There have been no decisions for the future.
“Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was. Today it’s just one game, we can leave the rest behind.
“What counts is this season and of course I’m counting on Rodrygo. It’s just one game, we shouldn’t read too far into the future.
“If he gets those minutes in three months’ time, I’ll be able to answer you with more certainty. Today it was just the circumstances of the game and my decisions.”
Arsenal have been touted as a potential destination for Rodrygo should he leave the Santiago Bernabeu before the summer transfer window closes.
However, while the Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options even further, any deal for the Brazilian is said to hinge on player sales.
