Álvaro Arbeloa and his remarks on the call-ups of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham after their injuries

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa is projecting an aura of calm despite the swirling controversy surrounding the latest international call-ups for Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Despite their recent physical setbacks—a knee issue for the Frenchman and hamstring trouble for the Englishman—Arbeloa insists both superstars are fit to compete for both club and country.

Real Madrid’s medical room has been busy lately, with Mbappé still in the tail-end of a knee recovery and Bellingham managing hamstring fatigue. Naturally, their inclusion in the squads for France and England for the upcoming FIFA window sparked debate among Madridistas worried about an "overload" of fixtures.

Arbeloa, however, dismissed the concerns, viewing international competition as an inherent part of elite football. He argued that if they were called up, it is because they are in perfect condition to meet the demands of their national teams. He also praised the players' "intelligence and professionalism" in managing their physical loads during such high-stakes periods.

Before the stars jet off for international duty, Real Madrid faces a massive hurdle: the Madrid Derby against Atlético de Madrid. Arbeloa was blunt about his stars' availability for the clash, confirming they are "ready and raring to go."

This match is vital for Los Blancos as they look to slash the lead held by FC Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.

While Arbeloa is relaxed about his attackers, the goalkeeping situation is a different story. With Thibaut Courtois sidelined by physical discomfort, the manager confirmed he will turn to Andriy Lunin.

"Injuries are a risk we must accept in this sport," Arbeloa noted, while emphasizing the importance of having high-level alternatives like Lunin in a season that demands everything from the squad.

Following the high-octane derby, the stars will split up:

Real Madrid now enters a delicate balancing act, hoping their key figures can maintain peak performance without compromising their physical health during a month that could define their season.