Arbeloa insists Real Madrid are equals to Man City without Mbappe

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa stated on Tuesday that his squad must not regard themselves as underdogs against Champions League rivals Manchester City, despite the absence of injured forward Kylian Mbappe.

The French star skipped training before Wednesdays last-16 opening match due to a knee injury and will miss the encounter with Pep Guardiolas team at the Santiago Bernabeu, though Arbeloa noted his condition is progressing.

Madrid are also missing Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao, along with several others, yet the manager urged the 15-time European champions to maintain belief.

We represent Real Madrid and I believe we never consider ourselves beneath any opponent, Arbeloa remarked to the press.

No matter the situation or the team facing us, we are Real Madrid and we ought not to view ourselves as inferior to anybody.

Tomorrow we face a familiar foe, one whose club ethos, managerial approach, squad and overall style we understand well for Manchester City, yet we approach it brimming with optimism.

Mbappe underwent assessments and care in France recently for the knee issue, which Arbeloa described as showing improvement.

He is making good progress, as I have mentioned frequently in recent weeks, this is an issue we monitor daily, the Spaniard explained.

This entire week has brought encouraging developments, he returned in fine form and improves steadily each day, so I anticipate his swift return.

In Mbappes place, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior will spearhead the offensive line for Real Madrid.

He is shouldering significant duties, we require his peak performance to overcome Manchester City, Arbeloa added.

Having succeeded Xabi Alonso in January, Arbeloa described his initial two months in charge as a substantial educational phase, and he anticipates Guardiola bringing an unexpected tactic to the Spanish capital.

He invariably has a trick prepared, as a manager he tends to introduce novel elements in such fixtures, Arbeloa observed.