Kylian Mbappé was notably absent from training on Tuesday, the day Álvaro Arbeloa began his tenure as Real Madrid’s new head coach, marking an intriguing start to the Spanish giants’ transitional period. Arbeloa took charge of the first session ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Albacete, as the club looks to steady its season following a managerial change.
Mbappé’s absence was widely expected as he continues to recover from a knee sprain that has curtailed his involvement since late December. The 27‑year‑old made a partial return from injury as a late substitute in Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, but has not been training consistently with the squad.
A Real Madrid source described Mbappé’s absence as “logical,” given his ongoing rehabilitation process. The French forward is unlikely to feature in the Copa del Rey tie, and the club appears intent on prioritising his long‑term fitness ahead of La Liga and Champions League commitments later in the month.
Former defender Álvaro Arbeloa officially succeeded Xabi Alonso on January 12, 2026, after Alonso’s departure by mutual consent following a 3–2 Spanish Super Cup defeat and a mixed run of results. The coaching change signals a strategic reset for Madrid amid a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
Arbeloa, who previously coached Real Madrid’s youth and reserve sides, inherits a squad navigating pressures on multiple fronts, including the title races in La Liga and the Champions League, as well as cup competitions. The new manager has pledged to embrace the club’s winning culture and instill confidence in his players despite limited preparation time.
Mbappé has been managing a knee sprain, confirmed by medical evaluations in late December, and has been undergoing a gradual recovery process. The injury has forced him to miss several matches and training sessions, and clubs are cautious about rushing star players back prematurely.
Despite his absence from Tuesday’s session, the France international remains a key figure in Madrid’s attacking plans, and his return will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike as Arbeloa begins to shape the team’s strategy for the remainder of the season.