Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insists his team will keep fighting for the La Liga title, despite slipping four points behind leaders Barcelona.

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa (pic) vowed his team will “keep fighting” for the La Liga title as long as it remains mathematically possible. His comments come after a difficult fortnight saw Madrid lose top spot and fall four points behind rivals Barcelona.

Los Blancos visit Celta Vigo on Friday aiming to close the gap before Barcelona play Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The reigning champions surrendered the league lead with a defeat at Osasuna before a humbling home loss to Getafe last weekend.

“We’re four points behind, not 18. This is Real Madrid,” Arbeloa said. “As long as we can mathematically fight, we will, and if there ever comes a time when we can no longer fight, we will still keep fighting.”

The former player, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, acknowledged the pressure at the club. He insisted the dressing room remains focused with much of the season still to play.

Madrid’s campaign has been hampered by a severe injury crisis. Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes suffered a serious knee injury against Getafe, joining Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao on the sidelines.

Centre-back Dean Huijsen will also miss the Celta match through suspension. Arbeloa refused to use the absences as an excuse, challenging his squad to prove their worth.

“When you’re winning and everyone is playing well, it’s easy to wear this shirt,” he added. “We need to show our true potential now. It’s in moments like these that you see if we’re worthy of wearing this shirt and this badge.”

Attention will soon turn to the Champions League, with Manchester City visiting for a last-16 first leg next Wednesday. Mbappe and Bellingham are receiving treatment abroad in a race to be fit for the crucial European tie.

Arbeloa confirmed any fitness decisions would be taken “by the medical services of Real Madrid”.

 The Sun Malaysia