Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has issued a staunch defense of Kylian Mbappé after images of the striker vacationing in Italy while sidelined with a hamstring injury sparked fury among the Madridista faithful.
Speaking after a vital 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday, Arbeloa insisted that the medical department strictly oversees rehabilitation schedules and that players are free to use their personal downtime as they see fit.
The victory, powered by a clinical brace from Vinícius Júnior, successfully trimmed Barcelona’s lead to 11 points and prevented the Catalan giants from being crowned champions before next week’s Clásico.
Arbeloa was full of praise for the Brazilian winger, labeling him a “natural leader” who stepped up in Mbappé’s absence with an aggressive, intelligent, and brave performance at the RCDE Stadium.
While Real Madrid have delayed the title celebrations, they face a grim reality as Mbappé is considered “highly doubtful” for the high-stakes clash at the Camp Nou on May 10.
The French captain is reportedly prioritizing his fitness for the 2026 World Cup in June, leading to concerns that he may not feature again for the club this season.
Despite the friction, Arbeloa remains optimistic about his squad’s commitment, noting that no player is bigger than the club and that the team’s core value remains a relentless work rate.
The manager also provided a positive update on veteran Dani Carvajal, expressing hope that the defender can return to the pitch before the campaign concludes later this month.
