Arbeloa insists Kylian Mbappe's return is not a new problem for Real Madrid
JAKARTA - Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has denied that Kylian Mbappe's return is a problem for Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Mbappe returned to Real Madrid's starting eleven - after recovering from a knee injury that had plagued him for months - in a surprising 1-2 defeat at home to Mallorca on Saturday, April 4, 2026, which left Los Blancos seven points behind leaders Barcelona in the race for the LaLiga title.
Without Mbappe, Real Madrid were brilliant, winning five games in a row, with Arbeloa using a compact 4-4-2 formation - Brahim Diaz paired with Vinicius Junior in attack.
"Mbappe has different characteristics than Brahim. That's where we have to play in a different way, but I'm happy to have that problem."
"Mbappe came to Real Madrid for a game like tomorrow (against Bayern Munich) and a game like this. I'm sure we'll see Kylian at his best," Arbeloa said at a press conference on Monday, April 6, 2026, local time.
Mbappe has scored 13 goals in nine Champions League appearances this season, but was only able to play for 21 minutes in Real Madrid's impressive win in the last 16 against Manchester City.
"The only thing that matters is what I think, which is that we are very lucky to have Mbappe back in the team."
"There is no coach in the world who would not want him on his team. Mbappe knows very well what Real Madrid is. He dreams of being a Real Madrid player."
"I want you to ask again (about him) after the match against Bayern Munich," Arbeloa said.
Arbeloa also faces the challenge of finding a place in the team for Jude Bellingham, who has recovered from a hamstring problem and has been used as a substitute in Real Madrid's last two games against Atletico Madrid and Mallorca.
In the absence of the English star, Arbeloa has used academy products, such as Thiago Pitarch and Manuel Angel, as well as Arda Guler in midfield.
"With Bellingham on the pitch, we are a better team, I am sure of that. We will see it on the pitch tomorrow."
"He has a different quality than the others. We have to adapt to him. He is with his teammates. That's football. It's a fun problem to face," said Arbeloa.