Alvaro Arbeloa Reveals Real Madrid’s Final Kylian Mbappe Decision for Real Sociedad

Madrid—Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has ended speculation over Kylian Mbappé’s status ahead of Saturday’s La Liga showdown with Real Sociedad, confirming the French forward is fit and in contention to start after overcoming a bout of knee discomfort.

Mbappé, who missed two training sessions earlier in the week, returned to full group work on Friday, easing fears of a setback linked to the knee issue originally sustained in December.

“Kylian is fine,” Arbeloa told reporters at the club’s Valdebebas training complex. “He has trained with the group and is available for the game.”

Spanish daily AS reports that Mbappé is now expected to line up from the opening whistle at the Reale Arena, a development that could prove pivotal in the title race. A Madrid victory would lift them one point above current leaders Barcelona, who do not play until Monday’s trip to Girona.

The timing is fortuitous for Arbeloa, who is also set to welcome back center-back Raúl Asencio after a spell of illness. While Madrid’s medical bulletin has improved—only three players remain sidelined—the absentees are high-profile. Jude Bellingham continues to recover from a hamstring injury and is not expected back until early next month, with some sources suggesting April. Rodrygo’s unavailability has forced Arbeloa to reshuffle his front line, with Gonzalo García featuring both centrally and on the right, supported by teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Díaz. Éder Militão remains out with a longer-term injury.

Saturday’s fixture carries added narrative weight. Barcelona, reeling from a 4–0 Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid, have ceded momentum to their Clásico rivals. A Madrid win would intensify pressure on Hansi Flick’s side ahead of their Monday engagement, amplifying the sense of a season pivoting on fine margins.

Kickoff in San Sebastián is set for 21:00 CET.