Real Madrid Ready for Real Sociedad as Mbappé Declared Fit — Arbeloa Emphasises Squad Unity

Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Kylian Mbappé will be available for Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. The squad news comes with important context on injuries, the right-back situation, and a renewed focus on dressing-room cohesion as Los Blancos chase the league lead.

Mbappé passed fit despite lingering knee discomfort

Mbappé had been managing discomfort in his left knee since December and missed a training session on Thursday, but Arbeloa said the forward trained with the group and will be in contention for the match. The coach framed the issue as a minor fitness concern that has been handled carefully, giving Madrid hope that Mbappé can make an impact in a fixture that could lift them to the top of the table with a win. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p. m. ET.

Coach plays down right-back drama around Dani Carvajal

Arbeloa addressed headlines about captain Dani Carvajal’s limited minutes this year, noting that the pair have held normal one-on-one conversations. Carvajal has featured for only 29 minutes across two appearances this calendar year after returning from a knee problem, and there is uncertainty about his contract situation when his deal expires in June. Arbeloa insisted dialogue with players is routine and denied the need for any special interventions beyond his regular weekly chats.

Injury list still bites: Militao, Bellingham and Rodrygo absent

Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo for the Sociedad match, a trio the coach confirmed remain sidelined. Their absences leave gaps at both ends of the pitch and test the depth of the squad ahead of a run of fixtures that could decide the title race. Arbeloa must balance the urgency of accumulating points with the need to manage players’ recovery timelines.

Real Sociedad an improving opponent under new coach

Real Sociedad arrive at the Bernabéu in good form after an upturn in results under their new coach. The Basque side have gone unbeaten in several matches since the appointment, making them a far tougher midtable opponent than their position might suggest. Arbeloa warned that complacency will not be tolerated and that Madrid must respect the tactical organisation and momentum the visitors have built.

Unity in the squad: team dinner and morale boost

Arbeloa highlighted a players-organised team dinner held during the week as a positive sign for the squad’s atmosphere. He framed the gesture as evidence of unity and chemistry he values highly, recalling how tight-knit dressing rooms helped him during his own playing days. The coach singled out the dinner as an example of the dressing room coming together at a decisive point in the campaign.

Title implications and immediate outlook

Madrid sit second in La Liga, a point behind the leaders, and a victory on Saturday would propel them to the summit ahead of next week’s fixtures. With a congested calendar and key absences, selection choices will be pivotal. Arbeloa’s optimism over Mbappé’s availability and the emphasis on player relations signal a pragmatic approach: manage fitness, maintain harmony, and seize the chance to reclaim top spot when Real Sociedad visit the Bernabéu.