Rodrigo is preparing to return to Real Madrid's lineup against Getafe after recovering and regaining his physical fitness. However, his return raises questions about his position in the starting lineup, given the tactical changes implemented by coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

The Brazilian player trained normally with his teammates over the past few days and could have participated in the second leg against Benfica, but a suspension prevented him from playing. Therefore, he will officially be available for the coach starting from the next match.

However, Rodrigo's return coincides with a clear shift in Real Madrid's playing style, as the team no longer relies on a three-man attack. The right-wing position, which Rodrigo regularly occupied, has been eliminated, with Vinicius on the left and Mbappe at the center of the attack.

Arbeloa settled on a lineup that includes four midfielders: Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde, and Güler. Valverde is responsible for covering the right side starting from his position in the midfield. The team currently relies on two outright forwards, Vinicius on the left and Mbappé as the central striker, which has led to the disappearance of the traditional right-wing role, with the task on the flank assigned to Valverde and Arnold.

This tactical shift has already impacted Mastantonio's position, who has been dropped from the starting lineup, and Rodrygo might face the same challenge. The player had regained part of his status in the final phase of Xabi Alonso's tenure with the team, but his role is now in doubt given Arbeloa's confidence in the current system and starting lineup he relies on, especially in major matches.

In the absence of a right-winger, Rodrygo has three options to start: to be the natural substitute for Vinicius on the left side, to compete for the striker position with Gonzalo in the event of Mbappe's absence, or to attempt to fill the playmaker role occupied by Guler, a position that Bellingham might also compete for upon his return, in addition to Brahim Diaz and Mastantono.

The possibility of returning to a three-forward system remains an option in some matches, which could give him a chance to reclaim his usual position.

It is noted that Rodrigo was only available for a short period since Arbeloa took over the coaching role, as he was absent for 32 out of the 46 days the coach has been in his position. Out of the 11 matches the team played, the player participated in only three, against Monaco, Rayo Vallecano, and Benfica, and did not start in any of them, playing a total of 48 minutes.

Rodrigo was injured when Arbeloa took over, before returning to the injured list on February 6th, and he has only now become available again, with his anticipated return to the team roster.