Real Madrid Gives Arbeloa His First Bad News
Real Madrid: Mbappé, Rodrygo, Mendy, and Rüdiger Miss Álvaro Arbeloa’s First Training Session
Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rüdiger did not participate in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first training session as the new head coach of Real Madrid, just days ahead of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash against Albacete.
Their absences add to the already confirmed injuries of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Éder Militao, complicating the scene for Arbeloa’s debut on the Madrid bench.
Fede Valverde: A Positive Sign for Arbeloa
The biggest positive of the day was Federico Valverde’s physical condition, as the midfielder was able to train normally despite not finishing Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final due to minor discomfort. Valverde participated fully in Tuesday morning’s session.
He joined the group training for the first time under Arbeloa, who reinforced the squad with several trusted youth players: Jorge Cestero, Joan Martínez, Manuel Ángel, and César Palacios.
Working with Youth Players and First Tactical Ideas
Goalkeepers Fran González and Sergio Mestre, regulars in first-team training alongside Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, were also present.
With Antonio Pintus once again leading the physical preparation, the session began 30 minutes late. Players showed serious expressions following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. After warm-ups and rondos, Arbeloa delivered his first tactical instructions during the closed-door portion of training.
Medical Situation of the Absentees
Mbappé, who returned in the Super Cup final against Barcelona after a left knee sprain, did not train with the squad. Rodrygo also missed the session, despite playing in the Clásico, due to lingering discomfort from the semi-final against Atlético Madrid.
Mendy suffered a new muscle issue, while Rüdiger will not travel to Albacete for the Copa del Rey match due to a knee problem, after pushing himself in the derby against Atlético Madrid.
