Arbeloa Denies ‘Fourth Striker’ Claim as Mbappe Prepares for Sevilla Start

Mbappe unhappy after Oviedo bench role, Arbeloa responds

The France captain said fitness isn’t an issue after coming on late vs Oviedo. Arbeloa rejected the ‘fourth striker’ claim and plans to start Mbappe at Sevilla.

Booed on his return from injury, Mbappe says Arbeloa told him he’s now fourth in line at Madrid. The manager insists the Frenchman will start against Sevilla...

Kylian Mbappe says he’s been told he’s now Real Madrid’s fourth striker after Alvaro Arbeloa dropped him from the starting XI for Thursday’s 2-0 win against Real Oviedo.

The France captain missed Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Barcelona and was booed by home fans on his return from a hamstring issue. He only came on in the 68th minute, with Arbeloa starting Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia up front.

Mbappe told reporters he’s fully fit and that fitness isn’t the problem.

“I’m 100% fine. ⁠I haven’t played ‌because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo,” he said.

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

“I have no problem at all with Arbeloa. You ⁠have to accept the coach's philosophy and I have to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”

Mbappe has been criticized by fans for flying to Sardinia during his injury recovery, but he said Real Madrid had given him permission for the trip.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé: “Arbeloa told me I’m the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo and Mastantuono”. 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/R8EgV6OiZa

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2026

Arbeloa said starting Mbappe against Oviedo wasn’t an option since he missed the Barcelona game, and denied telling the striker he was fourth in the pecking order.

“I had a conversation with him before the game and I don't know what he ‌could have interpreted,” the Spaniard told reporters.

“For me it is very clear that a player who ‌four days ago could not be on the bench (against Barcelona), today should not start. Especially because it's not a final, it's not a game of life or death.”

Arbeloa said Mbappe will be in the starting lineup for Real’s trip to Sevilla on Sunday.