London [UK], March 22: Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa is excited to have Kylian Mbappe back at his disposal for their upcoming La Liga clash with neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
The France international missed around the last the month of action with a knee problem but made his return in Madrid's midweek Champions League last 16 second leg win over Manchester City.
Mbappe has scored 23 goals in as many matches in the league this season, with 38 in 34 in all competitions, and Real Madrid will need his goals to try and close the four-point gap between themselves and Barcelona at the top of the table.
Arbeloa says his striker will be available to play on Sunday.
He told a press conference: "I told you that the day he returned, it would be because he was at 100%. He proved it in Manchester.
"The key is the sensations: how he felt and how he feels in training.
Maximum confidence, maximum guarantees, and maximum excitement to have back such a decisive player as him.
"He will definitely play, and I see no issue with him joining the national team. I think it's fantastic."
Atletico Madrid ran out 5-2 winners over Los Blancos the last time the two sides met in the league in September and Arbeloa's side will still be looking for revenge despite knocking them out of the Supercopa in January.
Real Madrid could be seven points behind the league leaders Barcelona by the time the derby kicks off and Arbeloa has stressed the importance of picking up maximum points.
He added: "We approach it with great enthusiasm and excitement.
"We know it's a very important match for us because of what these three points mean.
"It's one of the best matches you can experience as a player, as a spectator, and surely also as a coach."
Atletico also progressed through to the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition with an aggregate win over Tottenham but find themselves 13 points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
With Atletico seemingly out of the title race, Simeone may switch his priorities to Europe which could see him rotate a few of his players on Sunday.
He said: "Honestly, we're thinking about where to position ourselves, in what situation, continuing with the rotations we've implemented when we've had to play in the Champions League or the Copa del Rey and then in LaLiga.
"The truth is that (all the players) are really keen to play and they're making it difficult for me because there's a huge desire among everyone to take part in tomorrow's match."
Source: Qatar Tribune
