Real Madrid coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, expressed optimism on Friday regarding Kylian Mbappe’s fitness ahead of their crucial Champions League tie. Arbeloa stated he is “confident” the star forward will be available for the second leg of the round of 16 against Manchester City.
Speaking to the media at a press conference, Arbeloa provided an update on the 27-year-old’s recovery.
“He’s getting better day by day. He won’t be there tomorrow, but I’m confident he’ll be on the trip to Manchester,” the coach explained
Mbappe is set to miss Real Madrid’s weekend La Liga fixture against Elche.
Mbappe has been sidelined by a sprained left knee since late December. He has not featured for Los Blancos since withdrawing from the squad ahead of the Champions League knockout phase play-off round match against Benfica on February 25.
Before his injury, the prolific France forward had netted 38 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.
Even without Mbappe and several other key players, Real Madrid dominated the first leg against Manchester City on Wednesday.
A stunning hat-trick from Federico Valverde propelled the Spanish giants to a decisive 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester City now face an uphill battle when they host the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next Tuesday. They risk suffering elimination from European competition at the hands of Real Madrid for the third consecutive season.
Mbappe’s expected return to action also carries significance on the international stage. Following the Champions League fixture, club football will pause for the international break, where France is scheduled to play pre-World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.
