Álvaro Arbeloa must reshuffle his attack due to the Frenchman’s absence, though Rodrygo is close to a timely return
Kylian Mbappé will miss Real Madrid’s match against Levante this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu, leaving the hosts without their most prolific attacker for yet another game.
The French forward continues to struggle with discomfort in his left knee, forcing caution from the coaching staff as Real Madrid look to stabilise a season already marked by disruption.
Despite training normally on Thursday, the problem has not fully cleared. The discomfort has lingered long enough for Álvaro Arbeloa to accept that his side must once again take the field without Mbappé, who remains the team’s leading scorer.
The issue dates back to the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia. Mbappé travelled with the squad in the hope of helping Real Madrid lift the trophy, but his involvement was restricted to just 15 minutes against Barcelona.
That appearance failed to resolve the problem, and the knee has continued to trouble him since returning to Spain.
As a result, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker was also left out of the Copa del Rey squad against Albacete, a match that ended in a costly 3-2 defeat and elimination. His absence was evident, particularly in attack, where Madrid struggled to turn control into goals.
OPINION | When Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona were dominating football, Florentino Pérez hired José Mourinho – not to outplay Barça, but to disrupt them.
With Hansi Flick restoring Barça’s identity, Real Madrid appointing Álvaro Arbeloa feels eerily similar.https://t.co/nbk2muGHm8
— BB Sport News (@BBSportNews24) January 13, 2026
Arbeloa looks to Rodrygo as attacking options thin
Facing Levante at home, Arbeloa is again required to rethink his forward line. Since stepping into the role, he has rarely been able to rely on his first-choice attacking setup, with fitness issues repeatedly forcing changes.
There is, however, a measure of optimism surrounding Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian winger is expected to be included in the squad, subject to final confirmation on Friday, after overcoming the minor muscle discomfort he picked up during the trip to Jeddah.
His return would provide a welcome boost in creativity and pace, even if his minutes need to be managed carefully.
Rodrygo’s availability would at least give Real Madrid another attacking outlet at a time when goals cannot be taken for granted. Without Mbappé, responsibility has been shared, but the lack of a consistent focal point has been evident.
The Frenchman is currently leading the Pichichi race in LaLiga with 18 goals in as many games, including five in his last five league appearances. In fact, the Real Madrid striker has scored in all but three of the 18 league games he has disputed so far this season.