Kylian Mbappe misses Real Madrid training as new coach Alvaro Arbeloa begins, focusing on recovery ahead of Champions League clash with Monaco
Kylian Mbappe was absent as Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa conducted his first training session on Tuesday, following his appointment to replace Xabi Alonso.
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Arbeloa will lead the Spanish giants in their Copa del Rey tie against Albacete on Wednesday, but Mbappe is unlikely to feature.
The French forward returned from a knee sprain as a late substitute in Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.
sources told AFP that Mbappe’s absence from training was “logical,” as he continues rehabilitation ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against his former club, Monaco.
Alvaro Arbeloa assumed coaching duties on Monday after Alonso’s brief eight-month tenure.
The former coach admitted involving Madrid’s top scorer against Barcelona had been a calculated risk due to Mbappe’s knee condition.
Alonso announced his departure on social media, writing, “Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I’m grateful to the club, the players and above all, the fans for their confidence and support. Things didn’t go as I would have liked. I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could.”
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Mbappe is expected to continue working on his fitness before facing Monaco, while Arbeloa prepares for his debut match as Madrid’s head coach.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
