Canva Alarm bells go off at Real Madrid with Mbappé: Arbeloa can't believe it
Contained concern at the Bernabéu in the face of an unexpected situation at the most demanding moment of the season
Kylian Mbappé is Real Madrid's main reference point, the player who is expected to make the difference in decisive moments. His speed, his ability to unbalance defenses, and his goal-scoring instinct make him the most decisive piece in the white attack. Now, as key matches approach, every eye is on him.
The schedule doesn't let up, the season is entering its most demanding stretch, and Madrid needs its star at one hundred percent. But there is the problem: Kylian Mbappé is not fully recovered. The discomfort in his left knee has set off alarms in the coaching staff and in the locker room.
A specific plan and a lot of caution
The French forward is following an individualized plan to control the ailment. It is not a serious injury, but it is delicate enough to force everyone to take extreme precautions. The medical staff is working cautiously and is evaluating his progress day by day.
His presence this Saturday against Real Sociedad will depend on how he responds in the next training sessions. There is an internal debate at the club: risk him now or save him for the European clash? The answer is not simple when the balance of the entire season is at stake.
Champions League as a priority
Next week the Champions League knockout tie against SL Benfica awaits. In Madrid the European competition is always sacred. Losing Kylian Mbappé in that setting would be a blow that would be very difficult to accept.
That's why the idea that is gaining strength is not to push for his premature return. They prefer to lose him in a league match rather than risk his presence in a decisive continental clash. Physical management at this point in the season can make the difference between success and frustration.
Arbeloa, between surprise and concern
Álvaro Arbeloa doesn't hide his unease. The coach was counting on Kylian Mbappé as the leader for this decisive stretch and now everything is hanging by a thread. Without his star, the team loses verticality and constant threat.
The players in the locker room are aware of what is at stake, Mbappé is not just a goal-scorer; he is the footballer who changes matches with a single action. The final decision will be made prudently, but the tension is already there. At Bernabéu they know that any misstep can be very costly.
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