Kylian Mbappé says he is Real Madrid’s fourth-choice striker under Arbeloa

Kylian Mbappé, captain of France, said he is currently the fourth-choice striker at Real Madrid after coach Álvaro Arbeloa left him out of the starting lineup in 2-0 win over Real Oviedo.

The French forward, who missed Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to FC Barcelona and was booed by supporters after returning from a thigh injury, came off the bench in the 68th minute after Arbeloa chose to start with Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García in attack.

Mbappé told reporters that his physical condition was not an issue, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

“I am 100% fit. I didn’t play because, for the coach, I was the fourth striker in the squad after Franco Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo,” he said.

“I was ready to start, but it’s his decision and it must always be respected. I have no problem with Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy, and I need to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono,” Mbappé added.

Mbappé has also faced criticism from fans over a trip to Sardinia while recovering from injury, although he said the club had authorized the journey.

Arbeloa later said there was no possibility of starting Mbappé after he had missed the Barcelona match and denied telling the Frenchman he was the team’s fourth-choice option.

“I had a conversation with him before the match and I don’t know what he may have interpreted,” the Spanish coach told reporters.

“For me, it is very clear that a player who four days earlier could not even be on the bench against Barcelona should not start today. Especially because this was not a final or a life-or-death match,” Arbeloa explained.

The coach added that Mbappé is expected to start in Real Madrid’s next match against Sevilla FC on Sunday.

Photo: Instagram/k.mbappe