Real Madrid fans got a glimpse of hope this week. Kylian Mbappé returns to training at the Valdebebas training grounds.
He did some light running exercises with a fitness coach, a step forward in his recovery from a knee injury, as Goal.com reported. But don’t get it twisted.
While it’s a positive sign, some sources suggest his participation in Real Madrid vs Manchester City is highly improbable.
This isn’t just about Mbappé, though. Real Madrid faces a serious injury crisis heading into this quarter-final. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa has a tough job picking a squad. They’ve only got 17 first-team players available, which is not ideal against a team like City.
Kylian Mbappé Return to Training: A Glimmer, Not a Game-Changer for First Leg
Kylian Mbappé returns to training, which is good news, no doubt. He’s been out with a knee sprain since December. Treatment in Paris helped, and now he’s back on the pitch at Valdebebas. But he hasn’t joined full team training. That’s the key difference.
Multiple sources, including NDTV Sports, confirm he won’t be in the squad for the first leg against Manchester City at Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid is being careful. They’re prioritizing his full recovery for the second leg. And, of course, the 2026 World Cup is on his mind too.
It’s a psychological lift for the team, seeing their top scorer around. But it won’t translate into on-pitch impact for Wednesday’s game. The attacking burden stays on the players who are fit.
Real Madrid’s Depleted Ranks and Crucial Returns
Mbappé’s situation highlights Real Madrid’s bigger problem: injuries. The list of sidelined players is significant. Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, and David Alaba are all out long-term or still recovering. Álvaro Carreras has a right calf injury, confirmed out for the City match, with no timeline for his return.
So, Arbeloa’s options are thin. Just 17 senior players. That’s a challenge for any team, let alone one facing Manchester City in the Champions League.
There are some good bits of news, though. Antonio Rüdiger is back in full training. He’s expected to start in defense, which should help stabilize the backline. Eduardo Camavinga also recovered from a tooth infection.
He’s available for selection, bringing his versatility to either midfield or left-back, Telegrafi.com noted. These two returns are big for Madrid’s chances.
Tactical Battles in Real Madrid vs Manchester City
With so many players out, Arbeloa has to get creative. He’ll lean on players like Rüdiger to anchor the defense. Camavinga’s ability to play in different positions gives him flexibility. Without Mbappé, the team’s attacking strategy will change. Counter-attacks might be a focus, especially at home in the Bernabéu.
Manchester City comes into this tie as frontrunners for the Champions League title. Pep Guardiola’s side is strong, with a deep squad and no reported injury issues. Their full strength contrasts sharply with Madrid’s situation. This suggests a tough night for Madrid’s depleted defense.
The Bernabéu crowd will play its part. It always does in these big European nights. That home advantage could be a factor. But City’s quality is undeniable. Madrid will need a disciplined performance.
High Stakes and the Road to Recovery
This Champions League quarter-final is high stakes. Real Madrid and City have a history in this competition, always battling it out. Arbeloa is under pressure to navigate this injury crisis in a knockout stage game. The focus for the club extends beyond just this match, with an eye on getting everyone fit for the second leg.
Kylian Mbappé’s recovery is important for the overall tie, not just the first game. His visible return gives a small boost. But the real work is ahead for the medical staff and the coaching team. They need to get the squad back to full strength if they want to progress. The path to the semi-finals is going to be a difficult one for Real Madrid.
