French superstar Kylian Mbappe was a notable absentee as new manager Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of his first training session with Real Madrid on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Arbeloa's First Day and Mbappe's Absence
Arbeloa, who was officially appointed on Monday, led the squad for the first time at the club's training ground. His debut match in charge will be a Copa del Rey clash against Albacete on Wednesday. However, the club's top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, is not expected to be available for that fixture.
A source within Real Madrid told AFP that the striker's absence from the training pitch was "logical" due to an ongoing knee issue. Mbappe had only just returned from a sprain, making a brief appearance as a late substitute in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
Calculated Risk and Recovery Timeline
The decision to play Mbappe against Barcelona was described as a calculated risk by the now-departed coach, Xabi Alonso. The move appears to have been made with a bigger picture in mind. The focus is now on ensuring Mbappe is fully fit for a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter.
The forward is likely to continue his specific recovery program until next Tuesday's European match against his former club, Monaco. This suggests the club is prioritizing his long-term fitness over a quick return for the cup game.
Xabi Alonso's Departure Statement
Arbeloa's appointment follows the sudden exit of Xabi Alonso, who spent less than eight months as head coach. On Tuesday, Alonso took to social media to address his departure from the Spanish giants.
"Things didn't go as I would have liked," the Basque coach wrote on Instagram. "Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I'm grateful to the club, the players, and above all the fans for their confidence and support."
He concluded his message by stating, "I leave respectfully, with gratitude, and the pride of having done the best I could."
The swift managerial change and the careful management of Mbappe's fitness mark a pivotal moment for Real Madrid as they navigate multiple competitions in 2026.
