Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed immense confidence in his squad ahead of the highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid this Sunday. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the coach confirmed that French superstar Kylian Mbappe is back to full strength and ready to lead the line at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe recently made a brief but impactful return from a knee sprain during the midweek clash against Manchester City. After missing five consecutive matches, his substitute appearance in Manchester provided enough evidence for Arbeloa to declare him completely fit. The manager highlighted that those few bursts of pace in the Champions League showed the forward is physically sharp and mentally prepared for the intensity of a Madrid derby.
The timing could not be better for the Spanish giants, as Mbappe remains the team’s most prolific threat this season, boasting an incredible record of 38 goals in just 34 appearances. Arbeloa dismissed any concerns regarding the striker’s upcoming international travel, stating he is delighted that Mbappe will join the French national team for their high-profile matches against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.
In more good news for the Madrid faithful, England international Jude Bellingham has also been declared fit and will be included in the matchday squad. Bellingham hasn’t featured since early February due to a hamstring injury, but his recovery is a significant boost for the midfield. Despite his lack of recent game time, England coach Thomas Tuchel has already called him up for international duty, a move Arbeloa supports given the player’s intelligence and understanding of his own physical limits.
The team does face one major setback, however, with legendary goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sidelined for several weeks following a thigh injury. While losing a player of his caliber is a blow, Arbeloa remained upbeat about his options between the sticks. He reiterated his complete faith in Andriy Lunin, noting that while the best goalkeeper in history might be out, the club is fortunate to have another outstanding professional ready to step up and prove his worth once again.
