Real Madrid’s star forward, Kylian Mbappé, is likely to travel with the team for their pivotal UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Manchester City next week. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed optimism during a press conference on Friday, confirming that Mbappé is making progress in his recovery from a left knee sprain that has sidelined him since December.
Mbappé was absent from Madrid’s recent 3-0 victory over Elche at the Santiago Bernabéu, where midfielder scored a hat trick. The team’s upcoming schedule includes not only the clash with Manchester City but also a critical derby against Atlético Madrid on March 22, 2024.
“Mbappé is getting better every day,” Arbeloa stated. “His development is progressing as it should. We made a plan, and it depends on his progress, but I think he’s doing very well. He won’t be available tomorrow, but I expect he’ll travel to Manchester.”
As Madrid’s top scorer with 38 goals across all competitions this season, Mbappé’s absence has been felt, particularly during significant matches, including a previous league encounter against City and most of the Spanish Supercopa. Arbeloa refrained from discussing whether the player should take a break during the upcoming international fixtures to facilitate his recovery.
“That’s a long way off,” Arbeloa noted. “I want him to be able to travel to Manchester. Let’s see tomorrow and on Sunday, when we’ll make a final decision. Let’s hope he’s there, and that he’s ready for the game against Atlético Madrid.”
Madrid will host Elche this Saturday with the intention of fielding a strong lineup despite the fatigue anticipated from the City match. “Tomorrow, we’ll field the best possible XI to win,” Arbeloa emphasized. “I’m not thinking about anything else. The players have to end each match completely exhausted; it’s their job. They have to be ready to fight like they did on Wednesday.”
The coach also applauded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a crucial save to maintain Madrid’s three-goal lead in the first leg against City. “I’ve played with some of the best goalkeepers in the world, and what Courtois does is unmatched,” Arbeloa said. “There’s no debate; he’s undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history, in my opinion.”
With the Champions League knockout stage approaching, Real Madrid is poised for a decisive week, and the potential return of Mbappé could significantly impact their chances of advancing in the tournament.
