Having finally recovered from a left knee injury, Kylian Mbappé will be able to tackle the final stretch at full strength. At Real Madrid, the controversy surrounding the handling of the French striker’s injury has been resolved, and the aim is to move on.
Starting for France against Brazil (2-1) in a friendly on 26 March, Kylian Mbappé had not started a match for five weeks.
This return to action went well for the Real Madrid striker, who scored in that match and is ready to step up a gear again with Los Merengues.
No mistake by the coaching staff, insists Arbeloa
Initially slowed down and then completely sidelined for nearly a month this winter due to a painful left knee, Mbappé had denied reports that the Real Madrid coaching staff had analysed his right knee rather than his left, unwittingly putting him at great risk. At a press conference on Friday, Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed the contradiction raised by the former Parisian.
“Kylian has been very clear on this over the last few days: the reports were 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 already reached. Kylian is incredibly committed and knows exactly what I expect of him,” commented the former full-back on the eve of the La Liga trip to Mallorca.
Arbeloa stands by his approach
Before the international break, Arbeloa had opted for a gradual return to action for Mbappé. The France captain had only come on as a substitute against Manchester City (2-1, 3-0 in the first leg) in the Champions League and then against Atlético Madrid (3-2) in La Liga. A cautious approach towards the man who has scored 38 of Real’s 101 goals this season, fully endorsed by Xabi Alonso’s successor.
“Mbappé and I have always had direct communication. We’ve discussed almost every topic. The fact that he was a substitute in the derby was a matter of common sense, and he never once held it against me. It’s a privilege for me to have a player of this calibre and such humility,” added Arbeloa. Madrid will make no secret of their delight at having a fully fit Mbappé back for the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, in particular.
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