Mbappe Skips Training as Arbeloa Takes Helm at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe was absent from Real Madrid training on Tuesday as Alvaro Arbeloa led the squad for the first time, following his appointment to replace Xabi Alonso.

Arbeloa’s debut comes ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Albacete, in which Mbappe is unlikely to feature due to a knee sprain.

The French striker recently returned as a late substitute in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona but will continue recovery ahead of next week’s Champions League game against Monaco.

A Real Madrid source told AFP that Mbappe’s absence was “logical” given his knee issue.

Former coach Alonso, who managed Madrid for less than eight months, admitted it was a calculated risk to involve the club’s top goalscorer in the Super Cup match.

He reflected on his brief tenure: “Things didn’t go as I would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could.”