Real Madrid coach Mourinho denies freezing out Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has rubbished claims of a row with defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa hasn't been seen since the resumption of the season.

Mourinho remarked: "I've read somewhere that I'm punishing Arbeloa with not playing. You've made a mistake if that's how you interpret the relationship a coach has with a player in whom he's got a lot of faith. He had a tooth operation in the holidays and he is a bit week as a result."

"He wasn't especially good against Malaga and we decided we had to work well in order for him to be ready for tomorrow's match. He will play tomorrow. He is not punished; not at all."