As two of national teams across the world gear up for final preparations before the World Cup, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa contemplates the starting lineup he’ll use against Bayern Munich next month. Two names stand out from the crowd: Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham and Mbappe have spent most of the season unfit and injured, but they have recently returned to the pitch. They were both called up to their respective national teams and are likely to feature in some capacity. According
to Defensa Central, Arbeloa is planning to have both these players in the starting XI versus Bayern Munich — assuming they are actually fit.
Why risk it?
Aoccrding to the report, Arbeloa’s performance in the Champions League will determine his future at the club. Currently, he has the backing of the squad, something Xabi Alonso never achieved. However, for the Spaniard to remain in charge beyond this season, he will need to impress Florentino Perez, which is a whole different ball game.
The game against FC Bayern, therefore, is existential for the coach. He will put his best players on the pitch if he can, which means getting Bellingham and Mbappe in the starting lineup. As for Kompany, nothing changes in his planning. Whether Mbappe and Bellingham play or not, the Bavarians will prepare the same way they always have.
