Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has strongly denied reports that Kylian Mbappe’s knee injury was misdiagnosed by medical staff in December. He also confirmed that after four months of not playing, Eder Militao was ready to play again.
Mbappe has spent the better part of three months battling knee problems, seemingly unable to get fit. His latest absence of three weeks was his longest ever, as he went to France for a second opinion. Last week it was reported that Real Madrid scanned the wrong knee in early December, hence the delay in resolving the issue, which Mbappe also denied. Arbeloa did the same on Friday.
“What Kylian said in the last few days is completely false. It’s time to put his knee problem behind us and focus on his goals. He needs to get back to the level he’s shown he’s at.”
‘The Bellingham case was unusual’ – Arbeloa
With both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid suffering major injuries during the international break, Arbeloa is delighted that his players have returned unscathed.
“The international players are back healthy, thank you. And that’s the first goal. It was a very good break for many of them, as they were getting time to play. And we already know the needs of tomorrow’s game, because Mallorca needs points as much as we do. We are ready. It’s not easy to play away from home after the break. The first nine are left, and tomorrow there is the first final.”
Including Jude Bellingham, who attended the mission in England, but did not participate. Los Blancos were reportedly confused by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call him up as a result.
“His case was unusual, because he played a few minutes against Atletico, but Tuchel has decided against it now. They didn’t want to risk it. Jude is smart enough to have good training sessions. And he is ready to help tomorrow. We need him to get back to match fitness.”
“I didn’t have any plans; that’s what the coach of the national team decides, like in every country. But there’s no problem that he didn’t play in England, as it wouldn’t have been a problem if he had. I’m happy to see him back, and from here, we’ll slowly get him back in goal.”
‘We will decide on Vinicius later’
There has been talk in the Spanish capital that Arbeloa could be in the rotation for his team’s trip to face RCD Mallorca on Saturday in Son Moix. The Real Madrid manager seemed reluctant to do so.
“I plan to field the best team to win the game. We have three games in six days, all very difficult; there is no room for error. And tomorrow I will field the best team. Although, as I always say, we will need everyone, and that is true.”
In particular, it has been reported that Vinicius Junior can rest after his hard work in international work.
“He’s alive, he’s tired. It’s clear that Carletto hasn’t given him much rest! (Laughs) But Real Madrid’s demands are the same as Brazil’s. He comes with a heavy workload of minutes, but we’ll decide later.”
Eder Militao’s return is confirmed
Teammate Eder Militao returned to full training last week, and after four months out with a torn hamstring, Arbeloa has confirmed he will return to the fold – and heaped praise on him.
“He’s coming back. When he’s healthy, he’ll definitely be the best defender in the world. I haven’t had a chance to train him yet, but he’s a solid defender. His skills and leadership will help us a lot. He’s changing things, and we’re excited to have him back.”
With Militao’s fit, it reduces Real Madrid’s injury list to Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes, while Dani Ceballos and Raul Asencio are both expected to be declared fit as well.
