Alvaro Arbeloa Confirms Bellingham and Mbappe Fit for Atletico Derby

Real Madrid's coach Arbeloa press conference 

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa confirms Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are fit for Sunday's LaLiga derby against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid takes on Atletico Madrid with key players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe returning to the squad...

Real Madrid are getting a boost ahead of Sunday's LaLiga derby against Atletico Madrid, with midfielder Jude Bellingham back from a hamstring injury and forward Kylian Mbappe fully fit, according to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Bellingham, 22, has missed 10 matches since February, while Mbappe, 27, made his return as a substitute in Real's 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester City on Tuesday.

Arbeloa expressed his confidence in Mbappe's fitness, saying, “The day he returns, it's because he's 100%. The minutes we saw him play in Manchester, I think every single action showed he's in great shape.” He also mentioned that Bellingham will be in the squad and is likely to play, stating, “He's available now; he'll be in the squad tomorrow. We'll see if he plays - I think he will.”

“Bellingham's available now; he'll be in the squad tomorrow. We'll see if he plays - I think he will. I'm really looking ‌forward to seeing him on the pitch,"

”⁠Arbeloa told reporters ahead ‌of the clash at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, with Atletico Madrid in fourth place. As for Kylian Mbappe's fitness, Atlético legend Arbeloa had a straightforward response when asked if the Frenchman was fully recovered from his knee sprain.

Arbeloa didn't mince words: Mbappe's needed, so he's playing. 

“The day he returns, it's because he's 100%. The minutes we saw him play in Manchester, I think every single action showed he's in great shape,” he said.

“Above ‌all, it's about how he feels - that's what matters in the end. How he felt and how he's feeling in training. Maximum confidence, maximum assurance and maximum excitement to have such a game-changing player back.”

Jude Bellingham has been named in England's 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, as Thomas Tuchel prepares for the World Cup. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has been included in France's squad for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.

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Both players are getting ready for crucial matches with their clubs - Real Madrid takes on Atletico Madrid in LaLiga, with Bellingham and Mbappe expected to feature. Mbappe has recovered from a knee injury and made his return as a substitute against Manchester City, while Bellingham is back from a hamstring injury.

“They're incredibly important players for me, but they're just as important ‌for their national team managers, especially with the World Cup coming up,” Arbeloa said.

“I've been lucky enough to represent my country and I know what it feels like - the pride and the responsibility that comes ⁠with it. I understand ⁠the situation perfectly, so ‌no, there's no problem at all.”

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— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 21, 2026