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Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2026Getty
Donny Afroni

Will Kylian Mbappe face Man City? Real Madrid offer injury update ahead of Champions League clash

K. Mbappe
Real Madrid
Manchester City
Champions League
Getafe
LaLiga
A. Arbeloa

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of star striker Kylian Mbappe as the Spanish heavyweights prepare for a season-defining Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City. The French superstar has been dealing with a knee problem, leading to intense speculation regarding his availability for the upcoming European showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  • Real Madrid sweat on Mbappe fitness

    The coaching staff's primary objective is to ensure that Mbappe returns at 100% capacity, rather than rushing him back and risking a potential long-term setback. There is a clear desire within the club to avoid any fragility that could hamper his performance during the business end of the campaign. With the footballing world watching, the club have remained cautious about setting a definitive return date for their marquee summer signing, choosing instead to focus on his daily progression behind the scenes at Valdebebas.

  • Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6Getty Images Sport

    Champions League race against time

    Speaking to the media ahead of the weekend's La Liga fixture against Getafe, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the growing concerns surrounding Mbappe's condition. When pressed on whether the forward would be ready to lead the line against Pep Guardiola's side, Arbeloa remained elusive but clear on the medical staff's current approach. "Mbappe and the Champions League? We are going to take it day by day," Arbeloa explained during his press conference. "It's a matter of seeing how he's feeling. Right now it's best not to give any deadlines, we want to see how he feels and we'll decide based on that."

    He further clarified the club's stance on the injury, stating: "We have it very clear what is happening to him. We want him to recover from these discomforts so that he returns with confidence."

    Arbeloa also addressed why Mbappe was not present at the Bernabeu to support his teammates during their recent match against Benfica. The coach was quick to dismiss any suggestions of friction, simply noting: "He was not there because he had permission from his coach."

  • Arbeloa relishing Man City showdown

    While the focus remains on Mbappe, the draw for the Champions League has already cast a long shadow over the Spanish capital. Real Madrid have once again been paired with Manchester City, setting up a clash of the titans that has become a modern classic in European competition. Arbeloa expressed his excitement for the tie, acknowledging that these are the games that define the legacy of the club. "It will be an exciting duel. It is a tie that Madridistas and the Bernabeu like very much. When the time comes, we will prepare for it to the maximum," he remarked.

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  • The return of Rodrygo

    While Mbappe’s absence is a blow, Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of Rodrygo to full fitness. The Brazilian attacker is expected to play a vital role in the coming weeks, filling the void left by his strike partner.

    "He must be very important," Arbeloa said of Rodrygo. "He was already being so before the injury. He can be decisive and fundamental, he has been demonstrating his quality for many years and what he can contribute in the three attack positions. He is very complete and difficult to defend. He is going to give us many possibilities. I was eager to have him back."

  • Building momentum for the home stretch

    Despite the distraction of the Champions League, Real Madrid must first navigate domestic responsibilities, starting with a gritty Getafe side. Arbeloa showed great respect for his counterpart Jose Bordalas, highlighting the defensive discipline that makes Getafe such a difficult opponent to break down."He makes teams play very much in his style," Arbeloa praised. "Despite not having much of the ball, his teams defend very well. It is very well worked and that is the best thing that can be said about a coach. We are fine. We are very eager, knowing the difficulty of a team trained by a great coach who knows how to get the best out of his team. We are very focused and with much desire."