Alvaro Arbeloa rejects claims that Real Madrid are better off without Mbappe
Real Madrid have travelled to Manchester with both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham but only one of them has a chance of playing in the game.
Madrid head into the second leg of their round-of-16 tie with a 3-0 advantage following last week’s victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Federico Valverde scored a remarkable hat trick.
Mbappe, who has not been on the pitch since suffering a knee sprain in February, is back in contention and could feature in Manchester. The French forward has been a standout performer in Europe this season, scoring 13 goals in the competition.
Bellingham, however, is not fit enough for action just yet. The midfielder has not played since early February due to a muscle injury. Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed he travelled with the squad to support them and will not be involved on the pitch.
“It was [Bellingham] who wanted to come here with his teammates, to be with the team,” Arbeloa said. “He’ll do a part of his training, but he won’t play tomorrow. I’m happy to have him closer. He’s a player who is a leader. It’s important to have him here with us.”
Both Bellingham and Mbappe missed Saturday’s 4-1 La Liga win over Elche as part of a train of injuries that has forced Arbeloa to rely on several academy players over the past month.
Despite Madrid’s strong performances without Mbappe, Arbeloa dismissed any suggestion that the team might be better off without their star forward.
“It’s hard to imagine that the team would be more competitive without the best player in the world,” Arbeloa said. “But that speaks highly of our squad and their level. If people speak highly of the team without the best player in the world, I’m happy.
“Kylian gives his different qualities to those of other players. I’m looking forward to having him on the pitch. He’ll be important.”
