Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé said coach Alvaro Arbeloa only sees him as the fourth best forward at the club after he came off the bench in Thursday's 2-0 win over relegated Real Oviedo.

Madrid have had a woeful season, failing to win a trophy as speculation swirls over major tensions in the squad and the future of Arbeloa, with former boss and current Benfica coach Jose Mourinho linked with a return. Club president Florentino Perez has also called elections amid the chaos.

"I wasn't in the starting XI because the coach said that in his eyes I am the fourth forward behind Mastantuono, Vini und Gonzalo. I accept that," Mbappé told reporters having been jeered by some of the crowd. "I was 100% fit."

Fans are unhappy with the France striker for travelling to Italy for a getaway while injured. They think he is prioritizing his World Cup fitness.

Arbeloa denied Mbappé's allegation.

"I didn't say anything like that to him. He probably didn't understand me," he said.