DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

La Liga: Injured Mbappé Free to Do What He Wants in Leisure Time — Arbeloa

From The Punch · (34m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended Kylian Mbappé's right to manage his recovery time as he sees fit, emphasizing club oversight of rehabilitation.
  • Arbeloa stated that while medical staff meticulously plan recovery, players have freedom in their personal time, assuring no concerns about Mbappé's professionalism.
  • Mbappé's fitness for the upcoming El Clásico remains uncertain, with a final decision expected soon, while Vinícius Júnior was praised for his work ethic.

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has firmly backed star forward Kylian Mbappé amidst scrutiny over his recovery from injury, asserting that the player is free to spend his leisure time as he wishes while under the club's watchful eye. Arbeloa's comments aim to quell any speculation regarding Mbappé's commitment, stressing that the club maintains complete control over the player's rehabilitation process.

All the injured players are monitored, and the medical staff plans everything. In his free time, any player can do what he wants. I don’t get involved.

— Álvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa defending Kylian Mbappé's personal time during injury recovery.

Arbeloa clarified that all injured players are subject to rigorous monitoring by the medical team, who meticulously plan every phase of their recovery. However, he was quick to point out that this structured approach does not extend to restricting players during their personal time. "In his free time, any player can do what he wants. I don’t get involved," Arbeloa was quoted as saying, signaling a trust in the players' professionalism and a hands-off approach to their off-field activities.

The coach's defense comes at a time when Mbappé has been a subject of attention for being seen on holiday during his recovery period. Arbeloa's statements suggest that such activities are not viewed as detrimental to Mbappé's commitment to regaining full fitness, thereby alleviating any potential concerns within the club about his dedication.

We will have an answer this week.

— Álvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa providing an update on Kylian Mbappé's availability for the upcoming El Clásico.

Looking ahead to the crucial El Clásico match, Mbappé's availability remains a key storyline. Arbeloa indicated that a clearer picture would emerge within the week, leaving the door open for the French international's potential return. In parallel, Arbeloa lauded Vinícius Júnior for his exceptional work ethic and significant influence on the team, describing him as "very dangerous, smart, a leader." As anticipation builds for the El Clásico, Mbappé's fitness status is expected to be finalized based on ongoing medical assessments.

I’m always grateful to Vini for the effort he puts in. I’m proud to have him as a player. He was very dangerous, smart, a leader.

— Álvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa praising Vinícius Júnior's performance and character.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.