Real Madrid issue Kylian Mbappe fitness warning ahead of Manchester City clash | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa – head coach at Real Madrid – has issued a warning surrounding the fitness of Kylian Mbappe ahead of their two-legged clash with Manchester City.

The Spanish giants are entering a crucial stretch of the ongoing campaign, as they continue to balance domestic title ambitions with another deep run in Europe, chasing Barcelona in La Liga and facing a demanding sequence of fixtures that could define their season.

Attention this week is on a home league meeting with Getafe at the Bernabéu, followed by a tricky trip to Celta Vigo. However, looming largest is the Champions League Round of 16 showdown with Manchester City, and the first leg in the Spanish capital.

Central to Madrid’s hopes is the fitness of Kylian Mbappé, who has been managing a muscular issue in recent days. The France international continues to be instrumental to the side, and any absence against the Premier League giants would represent a significant blow.

Speaking on Sunday ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming clash with Getafe, manager Alvaro Arbeloa was quizzed on the fitness of his star striker ahead of the Champions League double-header with Manchester City.

“It’s very clear to us: what’s wrong, what we want. It’s that [Kylian Mbappé] recovers totally from discomfort, so he can come back 100 per cent, with complete confidence and security – when he feels totally recovered, and that discomfort has disappeared,” said Arbeloa.

Continuing on whether the France international would be back in time to face Manchester City in either of the two legs, Arbeloa told reporters, “We’ll see, day by day. He will see how he feels, and how he recovers and evolves.”

The Bernabeu boss continued, “Right now it’s better not to give a timeline. We’ll see how he feels, and based on that, we’ll decide.

“We want him to return at 100 per cent, and when that happens, he’ll be back.”

Alvaro Arbeloa’s cautious tone suggests Real Madrid are unwilling to take risks with their marquee forward, particularly given the packed calendar ahead, and between the two European ties, Los Blancos also host Elche in league action before travelling to England.

The immediate period concludes with a high-stakes La Liga derby against Atlético Madrid, in a fixture that could have significant implications in the title race in Spain.

With so much riding on the coming weeks, Real Madrid’s medical staff will perhaps be under pressure to ensure Kylian Mbappé is fully prepared should he return to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.