Real Madrid still hopeful of recovering key player for first leg vs Manchester City – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid trained on Wednesday at Valdebebas ahead of their next La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo at Balaidos on Friday night.

For that match, they are without the suspended Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Alvaro Carreras, as well as the injured Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Dani Ceballos.

Furthermore, there are also doubts surrounding David Alaba and Raul Asencio, who did train with the group today.

There are many question marks, but there is some hope optimism ahead of the major challenge to come: the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Manchester City on 11 and 17 March.

Mbappe could still return

Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid are still hopeful of recovering Mbappe in time for the first leg of the Round of 16 tie against Manchester City.

Mbappe, who has a knee sprain, initially appeared ruled out for the first leg, with reports claiming that he will be out for around three weeks at least.

When will Mbappe return? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

In fact, earlier reports suggested that there was some disagreement between Real Madrid and Mbappe’s entourage over his potential return in time for the second leg against Manchester City.

However, AS reports that according to sources at the club, that might not be the case at all.

The French forward is in Paris working intensively with Real Madrid fitness coaches after undergoing tests there to confirm the initial diagnosis.

It will be difficult for him to be ready, but he understands the importance of next Wednesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Cityzens and wants to be involved, even if only as an emergency option on the bench.

Considering that Mbappe was rushed back under similar circumstances for the Spanish Super Cup in January, it would seem ill-advised for both the player and Real Madrid to cut short his recovery in order for him to be available against Manchester City.

It remains to be seen how things progress in the coming days, with Mbappe expected to return to Spain later this week.