Real Madrid confirm Kylian Mbappe injury blow as Man City clash looms | OneFootball

Prolific striker could miss both legs of Champions League last-16 fixture

Real Madrid are expected to be without Kylian Mbappe for the first leg of their Champions League clash with Manchester City.

The Frenchman is facing a spell on the sidelines, though. He has struggled with recurring knee problems throughout this campaign and was ruled out of Real’s play-off second-leg defeat of Benfica after aggravating the injury in training.

Los Blancos have now confirmed Mbappe has sprained his left knee.

It is a considerable blow to Real’s hopes of beating Pep Guardiola’s City, whom they face in the Champions League last-16 first leg in just nine days.

No timeframe has yet been offered for Mbappe to return to the pitch, though some reports in France suggest his comeback is expected in around three weeks.

Kylian Mbappe aggravated his knee injury in training last month

AFP via Getty Images

Such a timeline would see him return in late March, missing both legs against City.

A Real Madrid club statement said Mbappe will follow a “conservative” treatment plan after meeting with doctors in Paris.

Mbappe played 59 matches in all competitions last season and has already appeared in 33 this campaign, suggesting a bloated match schedule could be to blame for his injury struggles.

He has been outspoken about fixture congestion in the past, saying last month: "I don't know if we are prepared to play 60 matches. I don't recall ever seeing a player perform at their best for 60 matches. We need more rest."