ARBELOA STANDS BY DECISION TO START MBAPPE FROM THE BENCH IN REAL’S WIN.

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has defended his decision to leave Kylian
Mbappé out of the starting line-up in Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.

Mbappe, who recently returned from a hamstring injury and missed the Clásico
defeat to Barcelona was introduced in the 68th minute after Arbeloa preferred
Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia in attack.

The France captain later admitted he had fallen behind Franco Mastantuono,
Vinicius and Gonzalo in the attacking pecking order.

“I’m 100% fine,” Mbappe said.

“I haven’t played because, for the coach, I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad
behind Mastantuono, Vini, and Gonzalo.

“I was ready to start, it’s his decision, and it always has to be respected.”

Arbeloa, however, denied telling Mbappe he was the fourth choice and insisted the
decision was based on fitness concerns after the forward missed Sunday’s Clásico.

“For me, it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not even be on the
bench should not start,” Arbeloa said.

The Madrid boss added that the game against Oviedo was “not a game of life or
death” and confirmed Mbappe is expected to start against Sevilla on Sunday.