Alvaro Arbeloa hits back at huge Kylian Mbappe claim about his Real Madrid role

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa hit back at Kylian Mbappe after the Frenchman claimed he had been made the fourth-choice striker at the club.

The 27-year-old returned from injury as Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 2-0, having missed the previous two matches with a hamstring injury. Mbappe was introduced from the bench in the 69th minute on Thursday night and provided an assist as Jude Bellingham scored the second goal of the game.

Mbappe was making his first appearance after his controversial recent trip to Italy, where he travelled with his girlfriend while recovering from injury. It is understood some Real Madrid chiefs were unhappy with the timing of his trip ahead of their crunch El Clásico meeting with Barcelona, though the player insists the club permitted him.

The French superstar was jeered by the home crowd after his introduction from the bench amid recent questions about his commitment to the La Liga giants. Although he has scored 41 goals across all competitions this season, an online petition titled 'Mbappe Out' has already received millions of signatures asking for him to be sold this summer.

Mbappe spoke in the mixed zone after the Real Oviedo win on Thursday night, where he addressed recent issues and his current role in the Real Madrid squad.

"I haven't played because I'm the fourth striker in the squad for the coach," Mbappe claimed. "I accept and play the time they give me... I was there to be a starter. I'm not angry with the coach, you always have to respect the decision of a coach. Work hard to be a starter again."

"I prefer to talk here. There are people who don't talk and I look at the press to know what they think and I prefer to talk here, it's clearer."

"No problem with Arbeloa. The coach's decision must be respected. Everyone has their own idea and philosophy. I have to work to be better than Gonzalo, Mastantuono and Vini to play."

However, those claims were rejected by Real Madrid manager Arbeloa, who was asked about the comments in his post-match press conference. “I did not tell Mbappé that he is my fourth attacker. Four days ago, he was out of El Clásico; he wasn't even on the bench. So today, it's only logical that he's on the bench.

"I have no problem with anyone. I'm the coach and I decide who plays and who doesn't."