In a statement reflecting Real Madrid's concern for their star player, former international and current youth team coach Álvaro Arbeloa stressed the importance of French striker Kylian Mbappé taking ample time to recover from his knee injury, emphasizing that a full return to fitness is the top priority. Arbeloa's comments, made ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Benfica, highlight the club's anxiety regarding the physical condition of their top scorer, who has been experiencing recurring pain.
Movistar+ quoted Arbeloa as saying, “We spoke with him and the doctors, and we believe the best thing for him is to stop, recover, and return at 100%.” The Spanish coach added, “I don’t know how long it will take, but I think it won’t be a matter of days. It will be a little longer, hopefully as short as possible,” indicating that the player’s absence will last for weeks, not just days.
Context of the injury and the player's importance
This injury comes at a sensitive time for Mbappé, whose transfer to Real Madrid was one of the biggest events in the global transfer market after years of speculation and negotiations. Since arriving in the Spanish capital, the French star has quickly proven his worth, topping the scoring charts in La Liga and the Champions League, fulfilling the high expectations placed on him by fans and management alike. This immediate success puts immense pressure on the player to participate in every match, making the decision to rest him a strategic and necessary one to prevent the injury from worsening and becoming a chronic problem.
The local and international impact of Mbappe's absence
Mbappé is suffering from pain in the lateral collateral ligament of his left knee, an injury that requires extreme caution, especially for a player who relies so heavily on his blistering pace, agility, and dribbling skills. His absence is a significant blow to coach Carlo Ancelotti's plans, as the team will be without its top scorer during a busy and crucial period of the season. Young Spanish striker Gonzalo García is expected to be given a chance to fill the void in the starting lineup. Internationally, Mbappé's situation is also a concern for the French national team, as he is their captain and star player, and any prolonged injury could affect their preparations for upcoming important international competitions.
Ultimately, Arbeloa's advice reflects the club's long-term vision, which aims to protect its biggest investment and ensure the player's continued contribution for years to come. In modern football, managing physical demands and handling injuries professionally are integral to achieving sustained success, a fact well understood by Real Madrid in their approach to their French star.
