Real Madrid returns to LaLiga in style. Tomorrow at 21:00, the Santiago Bernabeu will host the derby against Atletico Madrid. The two teams arrive in very different situations in the league competition and Arbeloa's side have the primary objective of continuing in the fight for the title. In the run-up to the match, the Madrid coach spoke to the media in a press conference.

The derby

"We face it with great enthusiasm. We know that it is a very important match for us because of what these three points mean, because of the fans and the excitement that has been created. It is one of the best matches that can be experienced as a player, coach and fan. We are looking forward to seeing a Bernabeu stadium that is dedicated to us because we are playing against a great team and we are facing it with the greatest enthusiasm."

Courtois injury

"Every time a player takes to the field there is a risk. There are very few footballers who take to the field without discomfort and pain. When he reached the break he wanted to continue playing, but I decided to stop also because of the utmost confidence I have in Lunin. It is a great opportunity for him too. The best goalkeeper in history has been injured and we have another great goalkeeper, who will show how good he is. We do not set a deadline for his recovery."

Is Mbappe's knee OK?

"I told you that the day he came back it was because he was 100%. In Manchester he proved it. Maximum confidence, guarantees and enthusiasm in having back such an unbalancing player like him. Tomorrow he is going to play for sure and I do not see any inconvenience in him going with the national team."

Thiago, Bellingham and a place in the starting XI

"When we get to that river, we'll cross that bridge. Having Bellingham back is great news and so is Thiago's performance. It's a blessed problem to have to choose between great players and they can play together."

Rüdiger's contract

"In these matters I don't like to get involved, it's up to the club and the player. For me, I would make a statue of Rüdiger and put it in the garden. From the first day he is at the disposal of the coaching staff. He told me that in March he would be ready for the hard work. The treatment in London has worked and he is the mirror where young people should look. We are lucky to have Mr Antonio Rüdiger."

What do you think about Mbappe going with France and Bellingham with England?

"I think it's great. Mbappe is going to play tomorrow, for sure. I don't see any problems with him going with his national team. If they call them, they are very good. With Bellingham it is the same. He is available and tomorrow he will be there. I want to see him on the field. It's normal for him to play with his national team, he is intelligent and knows what he is doing."

Simeone and his motto about 'the people's team'

"I think it's very good. I take care of my team. It's a lucky to face him, because he is a coach who takes you to the maximum, who demands you and makes you think about the games. It's a lucky to face the best coaches in the world."

National team call-ups

"What doesn't depend on me, I don't give it much thought. I can't pretend that Bellingham or Mbappe are not going to the national team. I understand their coaches."

Carvajal's situation

"I have to think about Real Madrid and that's what I do, also when I put him on the pitch. His figure is very important, beyond what happens on the pitch. He helps his teammates a lot. That's what we need, a leader. Because either you are a leader everywhere or you are not a leader."

The academy

"In this club the best players in the world play and it is not easy to make these decisions. But if they play, it is on their own merit. Because I believe in the player and trust them. It has been shown that when Thiago, Palacios, Diego Aguado or the other day Manuel Angel have played, they do very well."