Arbeloa unable to set return date for French-Cameroonian forward Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that the club cannot yet determine when Kylian Mbappe will return to action, as the French striker continues to recover from a knee injury.

Mbappe missed Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Benfica and will also sit out Real Madrid’s upcoming LaLiga fixture against the same Portuguese side.

The 27-year-old forward first reported discomfort in his knee during training ahead of the midweek clash, prompting medical staff to withdraw him as a precaution.

Arbeloa emphasized that the club is prioritizing the player’s long-term fitness over rushing his return. “We want Mbappé back at 100 percent, and he will be back as soon as that is the case,” Arbeloa said. “We know exactly what’s going on with him and what we want now: his full recovery.”

Mbappe’s absence has left a noticeable gap in Madrid’s attacking options, with the team relying on a combination of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and other forwards to maintain momentum across competitions.

While Real Madrid have adapted effectively in his absence, the uncertainty surrounding his availability remains a concern as the club navigates a busy schedule of domestic and European fixtures.

The French international’s fitness has been closely monitored since his initial complaint, with the club opting for caution to avoid aggravating the injury.