Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe for their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Manchester City. The Frenchman has not recovered in time and will have to wait to get back on the pitch.
Mbappe has not featured in the squad listed by Real Madrid ahead of Manchester City’s visit. The striker has been dealing with a knee issue, but was expected to make his return this week.
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He has not featured for the club since February 21, when they lost 2-1 to Osasuna in La Liga. He was spotted back in training, but has not managed to get the free signal to make his return.
Los Blancos manager Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of the match, saying that Mbappé was feeling great but that they are not rushing him back onto the pitch. He wants the Frenchman to take it one step at a time and said:
“He’s much better, but we have to take it one day at a time. He’s come back feeling great. And we’ll take it one step at a time.” (via Madrid Universal)
Talking about the Manchester City clash, Arbeloa added that it was going to be a tough game, but he believes his side can get over the line.
It’s a tough one… one where we need the fans. We’ll be highly motivated. The Champions League is very special for us. If I said it [that we’re favorites], I mean it. We shouldn’t feel inferior to anyone. We know how difficult this tie is going to be, but we’re going to face it with great enthusiasm. Looking them in the eye.”
Kylian Mbappe is not expected to play for Real Madrid when they host Elche this weekend in La Liga.
Alvaro Arbeloa expects Real Madrid star to step up with Kylian Mbappe out
Alvaro Arbeloa was quizzed on whether Vinicius Jr was going to be the main man for Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappe missing, and the manager was quick to admit that he was expecting that question. He backed the Brazilian to do well and said:
“I expected this question from you. Whoever is on the pitch will be important. And Vinicius, too. We’ve had a lot of injuries and he’s taking on a huge amount of responsibility. He’s our main attacking threat, as you’d expect. And we need him at his best if we want to knock Manchester City out.” (via Madrid Universal)
Apart from Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid are also without Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras, and David Alaba this week.
Edited by Sripad
