Arbeloa Confirms Mbappé's Readiness for Manchester City Clash, Calls Him Best Player in the World

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that French forward Kylian Mbappé is ready to participate in the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against English side Manchester City, following his recovery from a knee injury. The coach stated that the player, who had been sidelined for several weeks, is now "ready to play" in the match scheduled for next Monday, thereby boosting the team's attacking options at this crucial stage of the continental competition.

Arbeloa praised the French star's technical abilities, describing him as the best player in the world, and noted that his absence naturally affects any squad. Álvaro Arbeloa said, "Will Real Madrid be more competitive without Mbappé? It seems difficult for me to believe that any team is more competitive in the absence of the best player in the world." However, the coach did not confirm whether Mbappé would start, preferring to maintain anticipation regarding how he will be utilized during the encounter.

Real Madrid enters the match with a significant advantage after winning the first leg 3-0, thanks to a hat-trick scored by Uruguayan Federico Valverde. However, the team will be without English player Jude Bellingham, whose absence from the match has been confirmed. Arbeloa expressed his appreciation for the team's collective performance recently, explaining, "I am very happy because with the best player in the world absent from the field, people speak well of my team," which reflects the confidence within the Royal Club ahead of their trip to England.