"Mbappe felt discomfort": Arbeloa after Real Madrid draw vs Betis

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said star striker and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe experienced discomfort and requested to be substituted during Friday's 1-1 draw against Real Betis on Saturday, according to ESPN. Vinicius Junior had given the visitors the lead in the 17th minute at La Cartuja, but a stoppage-time equaliser from Hector Bellerin in the 94th minute ensured the match ended in a draw, a result that dealt a significant setback to Madrid's La Liga title ambitions.

The result leaves Madrid eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who are set to face Getafe in their next group stage clash at the ongoing season.

During the clash, Frenchman Mbappe was asked to come off late in the second half and was substituted in the 81st minute, immediately heading towards the dressing room. He was replaced by Gonzalo Garcia, according to ESPN.

"I have no idea [what's wrong with Mbappe]," Arbeloa said in his post-match news conference as quoted by ESPN. "He felt some discomfort. We'll see how he evolves over the next few days."

According to the report, the initial indications of Mbappe's injury are that the Madrid star had suffered a strain of his left hamstring. Los Blancos will next visit Espanyol on May 3, before their El Clasico clash with Barcelona a week later.

Kylian Mbappe has scored 24 goals in 28 league appearances this La Liga season. The star striker is also set to be a key player for France at this summer's FIFA World Cup. France, finalists at the past two World Cups, will kick off their tournament on June 16 against Senegal.