Real Madrid have been handed a major boost ahead of their titanic Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City, as Kylian Mbappe was spotted back on the grass at Valdebebas. The France international has been away in Paris undergoing conservative treatment on a knee injury, but his return to the club's training base signals a potential turning point for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real Madrid’s preparations for their blockbuster Champions League showdown against Manchester City have been thrown into further disarray. While the club were already reeling from the confirmed absences of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, a fresh injury concern surrounding left-back Alvaro Carreras has left manager Alvaro Arbeloa facing a defensive headache. The Spaniard is now a major doubt for the first leg after picking up a heavy blow to his left calf during domestic action.

Real Madrid have been dealt a significant triple blow following their 1-0 home defeat against Getafe on Monday. The Disciplinary Committee officially handed down punishments to several key members of Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad. The most high-profile case involved Argentinian starlet Franco Mastantuono, who saw red during the match. Despite Los Blancos’ efforts to overturn the decision, the league’s governing body has remained firm, leaving the Spanish giants short-handed for their upcoming fixtures.

Real Madrid’s La Liga title mission grew significantly more difficult following a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Getafe. Trailing Barcelona by four points with 12 rounds left, their task is steep. Adding to the challenge, Franco Mastantuono received a straight red card for dissent, while Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras earned suspensions for the Celta Vigo trip.

Alvaro Carreras scored a memorable goal and Kylian Mbappe added a late second to carry an otherwise mixed Real Madrid past Valencia, 2-0. Los Blancos were well short of their best in a tricky Sunday night fixture, but a duo of second half goals spared any blushes, and ensured that they are very much in the title race after a winter slump.

Former Manchester United scout Piotr Sadowski has blasted the Red Devils for letting some top talents leave the club in recent years. The Red Devils have a proud history when it comes to developing young players and bringing them into the first team at Old Trafford, but Sadowski says some bad mistakes have been made and highlighted one player in particular who has been allowed to leave for a small fee.