Kylian Mbappe misses Real Madrid’s first session under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, continuing his recovery from a knee sprain ahead of the Champions League.
MADRID: Kylian Mbappe was absent as new Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of his first training session on Tuesday.
Arbeloa was appointed on Monday, replacing Xabi Alonso after less than eight months in charge.
His first match will be against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, a game in which the French forward is unlikely to feature.
Mbappe made his comeback from a knee sprain as a late substitute in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona.
A Real Madrid source told AFP it was “logical” that Mbappe was absent from training given his knee issue.
The striker is likely to continue his recovery work ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League match against his former club Monaco.
Former coach Alonso had admitted it was a calculated risk to involve Madrid’s top goalscorer against Barcelona.
Alonso said on social media he was leaving the club having done the best he could.
“Things didn’t go as I would have liked,” wrote the Basque coach on Instagram.
“Coaching Real Madrid was an honour and a responsibility. I’m grateful to the club, the players and above all the fans for their confidence and support.”
