Coach Álvaro Arbeloa insists Kylian Mbappé’s return poses no problem for Real Madrid as the club readies for its Champions League quarter‑final against Bayern Munich. Mbappé, recovered from a knee sprain, started the 2‑1 loss to Mallorca, a result that dropped Madrid seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga race. The loss came after a brief win streak without the Frenchman.

Arbeloa welcomed the return, noting Mbappé’s different characteristics compared to Brahim Díaz and Vinícius Júnior. He praised the striker’s 13 goals in nine Champions League appearances this season, contrasting that with only 21 minutes played in the 4‑2‑2‑1 win over Manchester City. The coach said Madrid felt “extraordinarily lucky” to have the Frenchman back in the high‑stakes atmosphere of European competition.

Meanwhile, Arbeloa faces a squad puzzle with Jude Bellingham’s return from hamstring trouble. He has been used sparingly against Atlético Madrid and Mallorca, prompting the coach to deploy academy talents like Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Ángel and Arda Güler. Arbeloa believes Bellingham’s presence will elevate Madrid’s performance, describing it as a “nice problem to have.” This adjustment could sharpen the team for the decisive clash with Bayern.