‘Completely false’ – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa responds to Kylian Mbappe misdiagnosis | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has vehemently denied reports that Kylian Mbappe’s knee injury was misdiagnosed initially by their medical staff in December. He also confirmed that after four months out of action, Eder Militao was fit to play again.

Mbappe spent the best part of three months battling knee problems, seemingly unable to get healthy. His recent absence of three weeks was his longest yet, as he traveled to France for a second opinion. Last week it was reported that Real Madrid had scanned the wrong knee initially in December, hence the delay in resolving the issue, which was denied by Mbappe too. Arbeloa followed suit on Friday.

“What Kylian has said these past few days, it 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.”

‘Bellingham case was unusual’ – Arbeloa

With both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid suffering significant injury blows during the international break, Arbeloa was pleased that his players came back without any issues.

“The international players have all returned healthy, thankfully. And that’s the primary objective. It’s been a very positive break for most of them, as they’ve been getting playing time. And we’re already aware of the demands of tomorrow’s match, because Mallorca needs the points just as much as we do. We’re ready. It’s never easy to play away from home after a break. There are nine finals left, and tomorrow is the first one.”

Including Jude Bellingham, who traveled for England duty, but did not take part. Los Blancos were reportedly somewhat miffed by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call him up as a result.

“His case was a bit unusual, because he played a few minutes against Atletico, but Tuchel has decided against it now. They didn’t want to take any risks. Jude is smart enough to have had some good training sessions. And he’s ready to help tomorrow. We need him to get back into match fitness.”

“I didn’t have any plans; that’s what the national team coach decides, just like in every country. But there’s no problem with him not having played for England, just as there wouldn’t have been a problem if he had. I’m happy to see him back, and from here, we’ll gradually get him back into the fold.”

‘We’ll decide on Vinicius later’

There has been talk in the Spanish capital that Arbeloa could rotate for his side’s trip to face RCD Mallorca on Saturday at Son Moix. The Real Madrid manager seemed reluctant to do so.

“I plan to field the best team to win the match. We have three matches in six days, all extremely demanding; there’s no room for error. And tomorrow I’ll field the best possible team. Although, as I always say, we’re going to need everyone, and that’s proving to be true.”

In particular, it has been reported that Vinicius Junior could be rested after his exertions on international duty.

“He’s fine, fine. Tired. It’s clear Carletto hasn’t given him much rest! (Laughs) But the demands of Real Madrid are very similar to those of Brazil. He’s coming in with a heavy workload of minutes, but we’ll decide later.”

Eder Militao return confirmed

Compatriot Eder Militao returned to full training last week, and after four months out of action with a hamstring tear, Arbeloa confirmed he would be back in the fold – as well as giving him high praise.

“He’s coming back. When he’s fit, he’ll surely be the best centre-back in the world. I haven’t had the chance to coach him yet, but he’s a sensational center-back. His skills and leadership will help us immensely. He’s a game-changer, and we’re thrilled to have him back.”

With Militao fit, it reduces Real Madrid’s injury list to Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes, with Dani Ceballos and Raul Asencio both expected to be declared fit too.