Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has moved to quell public criticism directed at Kylian Mbappe following the French striker’s appearance on the Italian island of Sardinia alongside his actress girlfriend, Ester Exposito, while sidelined through injury.
Mbappe sustained a muscular injury during Real Madrid’s fixture against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin stadium, after which he was substituted. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a lesion in his left hamstring, placing his availability for the remainder of the season in serious doubt.
The timing of his recovery has heightened concern at the club, with the El Clasico against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou scheduled for 10 May — a fixture Real Madrid must win to keep their La Liga title challenge alive. Mbappe is the club’s top scorer this season, making his absence all the more significant during what is a decisive phase of the campaign.
Speaking to reporters following Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Sunday, Arbeloa was direct in his defence of the 25-year-old. “All planning regarding injured players is always overseen by Real Madrid’s medical staff, who determine when they need to go to Valdebebas and when they don’t,” the manager stated. “In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he sees fit, like any other player.”
Arbeloa also offered a measured update on Mbappe’s recovery timeline, acknowledging that the process may take longer than initially anticipated. “We’ll see how Mbappe is this week; it seemed like his recovery was going to be a bit longer,” he said. The manager similarly addressed the fitness of veteran right-back Dani Carvajal, who has also been absent through injury. “The same goes for Carvajal; I’m hopeful he can finish the season playing on the pitch.”
Looking ahead to the Clasico, Arbeloa remained composed in his assessment of the challenge posed by Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side. “It’s going to be another great match against a very strong opponent who are doing things well,” he added.
With Mbappe on the sidelines, Vinicius Junior has stepped into the primary attacking role for Los Blancos. The Brazilian winger was the standout performer against Espanyol, netting both goals to secure a crucial three points for the capital club.
Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, ending years of speculation about his future. His debut season at the Bernabeu has been marked by both individual brilliance and periodic injury disruptions, a pattern that has continued into the 2025-26 campaign. Carvajal, meanwhile, has endured a lengthy absence after suffering a serious knee injury earlier in the season.
The El Clasico on 10 May carries significant La Liga title implications, and the fitness of key personnel on both sides will be closely monitored in the days leading up to kick-off.
