Arbeloa issues concerning Mbappe fitness update – ‘Will be out for a bit longer than just a few days’

Real Madrid face off against SL Benfica today in the UEFA Champions League without their ace goalscorer Kylian Mbappe.

The French superstar was ruled out of the contest after it emerged that he had not fully recovered from his previous knee injury that he had sustained back in December.

The 27-year-old striker had, for a number of weeks, been playing through the pain. However, he had to stop training early on Tuesday, leading up to the Benfica clash, and his absence from the squad list was confirmed today.

Arbeloa issues update

Ahead of kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa provided an update on Mbappe’s current situation and it appears to be rather concerning.

The former defender admitted that his forward’s injury will not be only a matter of few days and that he would be absent for a longer time.

“Kylian Mbappe will be out for a bit longer than just a few days,” Arbeloa said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Mbappe out for an extended period. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“For sure Kylian has to recover well before returning,” Arbeloa added.

This update aligns with reports from France which had suggested that Mbappe would be out of action for at least three games – against Benfica, Getafe, and Celta Vigo.

The whole circumstance surrounding Mbappe and the handling of his injury raises concerns.

After all, Arbeloa, during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, had stated that the French international would be fit and ready to play against Benfica. And, now he is claiming that the forward will be out for longer than just a few days.

So far this season, Mbappe has scored 38 goals across all competitions and is the leading scorer for Real Madrid. His absence, without a doubt, will come as a major blow.