Real Madrid handed huge boost: Mbappe back in training before Manchester City clash despite knee scare | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe has returned to training with Real Madrid ahead of the club's Champions League clash against Manchester City.

The French forward has missed the Spanish side's last three games due to a knee issue, but rejoined the group on Monday.

Mbappe had been expected to miss the first leg of the last-16 tie against Manchester City, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid risk Mbappe in midweek but his return to training is a welcome boost for Los Blancos.

However, full-backAlvaro Carreras is definitely out with a calf complaint, joining Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, David Alaba, and Dani Cabellos among a lengthy list of injuries.

Mbappe is the leading scorer in theChampions League this season with 13 goals in eight appearances. He has averaged a goal every 55 minutes in Europe in 2025-26 and has netted 38 goals in 33 games across all competitions.

Real Madrid head into their clash with City after a hard-fought win at Celta Vigo at the weekend. Aurelian Tchouameni's 95th-minute winner secured three points for Alvaro Arbeloa's side, to keep the pressure on Barcelona in the title race.

This week's meeting between Real Madrid and Manchester City will the fifth straight season that the clubs have met in the Champions League's knockout rounds.