Real Madrid CF manager Álvaro Arbeloa has defended Kylian Mbappé following criticism over the forward’s trip to Sardinia while recovering from injury.
Mbappé sustained a muscle injury during Real Madrid’s clash with Real Betis and was unavailable for his side’s 2-0 away victory against RCD Espanyol.
Despite the win, Arbeloa’s side remain 11 points behind league leaders FC Barcelona ahead of this weekend’s El Clásico showdown, a match Mbappé is also expected to miss.
Speaking after the game, Arbeloa was questioned about the French star’s absence from the RCDE Stadium, with sections of the media criticising him for not travelling with the squad.
Instead, Mbappé spent time on the Italian island of Sardinia with his partner — a decision Arbeloa fully backed.
“All planning regarding injured players is always supervised by Real Madrid’s medical staff, who decide when players need to be at Valdebebas and when they do not,” Arbeloa said.
