Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a bold rallying cry ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Manchester City, insisting his side remains fearless despite losing Kylian Mbappé to injury.
The French superstar was ruled out of the round-of-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu due to a knee sprain.
Madrid will also be without Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao, leaving the squad severely depleted against the reigning Premier League champions.
“We are Real Madrid… It doesn’t matter the circumstance, it doesn’t matter who is in front of us,” Arbeloa told reporters on Tuesday.
While Mbappe is “a lot better” and recovery is positive, he did not train and will miss the match.
With Mbappe out, Arbeloa confirmed Vinícius Júnior will lead the attack, noting, “We need the best of him if we’re going to knock out Manchester City.”
Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, expects Pep Guardiola to arrive with a “surprise” tactic but remains hopeful.
