Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has said star striker Kylian Mbappe is making progress with his knee injury, amid uncertainty over his return date. Los Blancos announced that he was suffering from a knee injury earlier this week, but there are rumors that his hamstring could be affected.
Word from Valdebebas is that Mbappe is in contention to play in the second leg of their Champions League game against Manchester City on March 17. Meanwhile in France, it has been suggested that Mbappe may be out for months. Arbeloa, as he did on Monday, avoided giving any concrete updates.
“Yes, I talk to him every day and we see what is happening to him and how he is doing. It is a plan that we will take day by day and monitor how he feels, he is getting better every day.”
This week Mbappe went to Paris to get a second opinion on his knee injury, while Jude Bellingham also went to London to get a second opinion on his hamstring issue.
“All these decisions are overseen by team doctors. Mbappe is in Paris with Real Madrid staff, Bellingham is in London with Real Madrid experts. Everything, everything, is monitored.”
Real Madrid went down to bare bones against Celta Vigo
Most are predicting Friday’s trip to Galicia to face Celta Vigo as a must-win if Los Blancos are to challenge for the La Liga title. However, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono will be absent due to suspension, while Mbappe, Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes and Dani Ceballos are injured. Arbeloa confirmed that David Alaba will also be absent.
“Alaba won’t be available, but Asencio might be there; we’ll see. And if not… well, Diego Aguado or Lamini Fati will play. We’ll see. But Alaba won’t be there, that’s for sure.”
Brahim Diaz’s lack of minutes
Although he stood out as one of the players of the tournament in the African Cup of Nations, Moroccan star Brahim Diaz has played just 166 minutes since his return. Arbeloa was asked about his lack of game time.
“Nothing. He plays less than he deserves, and that’s my responsibility, because he trains very well and we all know his abilities. I’m sure I can get more from him than I do now. It’s my responsibility. I’ll make an effort to do that.”
Arbeloa supports Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono
On Monday, Arbeloa accused Mastantuono of being sent off for protesting during the defeat to Getafe. He came off the bench with Dean Huijsen, who has also been heavily criticized over the past six months, as he struggled to find form. Arbeloa was asked about his thoughts on Huijsen’s form.
“I am very clear about Huijsen and Mastantuono. The under-19 team is full of players of Mastantuono’s caliber, and Huijsen may play for Castilla, given his age. I remember what was said about Vinicius when he arrived, and I look up to him now. We have to be very patient. Playing for Real Madrid is playing for the most demanding clubs in the world.”
“They have my full confidence and they are incredibly talented. I would like the fans to understand what each player is capable of. We need to look after them, encourage them, and above all, we want to work hard and work hard for them. We need to encourage them to make mistakes, because they will; football is a game of mistakes. We have a great night ahead of us and them.”
Los Blancos face Celta Vigo at Balaidos at 21:00 CEST on Friday, and will be hoping to reduce the gap on Barcelona to one point ahead of their match against Athletic Club.
