Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, Militao ahead of Mallorca vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

The first international break of 2026 is out of the way and Real Madrid return to action on Saturday afternoon as they take on RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix.

With the Merengues still trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points, they cannot afford a slip-up, especially with the Catalans facing a tricky fixture against Atletico Madrid later in the night.

Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Mallorca, Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media, providing an update on the squad and discussing various other topics.

“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,” the Los Blancos head coach said kicking things off.

Talking about the challenge that awaits the team tomorrow, he added:

“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.”

Regarding the possibility of rotations for the game, considering the workload of the returning international players, Arbeloa said:

“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.”

On the squad

Jude Bellingham was one of the Real Madrid players called up for national team duty but he returned without even playing a single minute for England across their two matches. On whether he found the situation unusual, Arbeloa said:

“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.”

On whether there were plans for Bellingham to play for England, he added: “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, to gradually get him back into the fold.”

Discussing Kylian Mbappe and how he has recovered from his knee issue, Arbeloa remarked: “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.”

On the Frenchman’s admission that he might have been pressing less while on the pitch, the manager stated:

“Kylian is incredibly committed and knows exactly what I ask of him. Both him and Vini. Forwards have to defend less than defenders, just as they attack more than defenders. But we need to be a fully committed team every single day. All 25 of us.

“Right now, we have to finish the game without holding back. And then, the talent of these players will make the difference.”

Fit and ready to start. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Despite being fit, Mbappe was only a substitute in Real Madrid’s last match before the international break – the derby vs Atletico. On whether the French superstar was left disappointed by that, Arbeloa said:

“No, no. Not at all. He’s always had very direct communication with me. We’ve talked about most things. And his starting eleven… it was a common-sense decision.”

On whether he was able to follow all players during their international duty and speak to them, Arbeloa said:

“We all have to keep going, of course. I’ve written to several people; I congratulated Guler. I know what the World Cup means to him. And to his country. I’m very happy, very pleased to see him happy.”

Arbeloa, meanwhile, also provided an update on the condition of Eder Militao and whether he was ready to return, saying:

“He’s coming back. When he’s fit, he’ll surely be the best center-back in the world. I haven’t had the chance to coach him yet, but he’s a sensational centre-back.

“His skills and leadership will help us immensely. He’s a game-changer, and we’re thrilled to have him back.”

On the condition of Militao’s compatriot, Vinicius Jr., who was involved with the Brazil national team during the break, Arbeloa added:

“Okay, okay. 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 played, but we’ll decide later.”

Regarding the situation of Brahim Diaz, who could lose his spot in the team with Kylian Mbappe’s return, Arbeloa stated:

“He should keep playing. He’s come out of a tough situation, but he’s fought hard and shown what a great player he is. We have an extraordinary squad and I’m going to need everyone.”

On the team and his future

Arbeloa commented on the team’s current position across competitions and the mindset heading into the final two months of the season, saying:

“We’re where we wanted to be: fighting for La Liga and the Champions League. But for now, let’s focus on Mallorca. Because we’re playing for everything in every match; we have no margin for error.

“Mallorca is a very difficult match, one that’s set off alarm bells for me. Because of the context, because of the opponent, because it’s tough after a break… but I’m confident in how the players have trained.

“I see them eager, focused on fighting for everything. Knowing it won’t be easy, but we are Real Madrid and we must show it in every match. That when spring arrives, this club always gives its best.”

On whether he had done enough to continue as Real Madrid manager beyond the current season, Arbeloa added:

“I’m not worried. I’ll be here until the very last day, as I’ve always said. I want to help this team keep winning titles… whoever’s in this chair. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Source: AS