Los Blancos will be hoping to have their star striker back sooner rather than later
Alvaro Arbeloa says Real Madrid are “very clear” on the nature of Kylian Mbappe’s knee problem but admits the forward remains a doubt for the upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Mbappe has been managing discomfort in his left knee since before Christmas. Madrid have periodically rested him in an attempt to control the issue, including in December’s defeat to City, the Spanish Supercopa semi-final and a recent LaLiga win over Real Sociedad.
The club have not released a detailed medical report, but Arbeloa acknowledged earlier this week that the absence is not expected to be brief.
Speaking ahead of the league meeting with Getafe, Arbeloa stressed that the priority is a full recovery rather than a rushed return.
“It’s very clear to us: what’s wrong, and what we want now,” he said. “It’s that he recovers totally from the discomfort, so he can come back at 100%, with complete confidence and security – when he feels totally recovered, and that discomfort has disappeared.”
Madrid’s schedule leaves little margin for error. After facing Getafe and Celta Vigo in LaLiga, they host City at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 11 before travelling to Manchester for the return leg six days later. Asked whether Mbappe would be available for the first tie, Arbeloa refused to set a deadline.
“We’ll see, day by day,” he said. “He will see how he feels, and how he recovers and evolves.
“Right now it’s better not to give a timeline. We’ll see how he feels, and based on that, we’ll decide. We want him to return at 100%, and when that happens, he’ll be back.”
Arbeloa also dismissed suggestions that players might manage their workload with one eye on the upcoming World Cup, insisting commitment to the club must come first.
“I gave everything I had for my club when I was playing, and then I gave my all when I was with my country,” the former Spain international said. “I don’t understand players who save their energy, who don’t get stuck in, who’re thinking about doing anything other than giving their all for Real Madrid.
“That’s how it will be in the next few months. There’s no better way to go into a World Cup than performing well for your club.”
