Kylian Mbappé is racing against time to prove his fitness ahead of the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC.
The French forward returned to Spain on Sunday after spending several days in France receiving specialist treatment for an injury to his left knee.
His availability for Wednesday’s first-leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu remains uncertain as the club’s medical team prepares to assess his condition.
The World Cup winner was accompanied in France by two of Madrid’s physiotherapists, ensuring his recovery program stayed on course.
Although the club has not set a definitive timeline for his return, officials have not ruled out the possibility that Mbappé could feature in the high-profile European showdown.
His return would provide a major boost to the Spanish giants as they prepare to face the side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Mbappé now faces two crucial training sessions scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to demonstrate whether his knee can cope with the demands of a high-intensity match.
While the forward is eager to play, the coaching staff must carefully weigh the risk of aggravating the injury against the potential advantage of having their primary attacking threat available for such a decisive fixture.
Medical staff at the club’s Valdebebas training complex will closely monitor Mbappé’s progress over the next two days.
Reports of positive improvement during his rehabilitation have generated cautious optimism, but the limited time before the match remains the main concern.
A final decision on his participation is expected after the team’s last training session on Tuesday evening.
Elsewhere in the squad, Jude Bellingham continued his recovery by taking part in light work on the pitch, although the midfielder trained individually as he works toward full fitness.
Defender Álvaro Carreras, who suffered a heavy knock during the recent match against Getafe CF, also trained alone but is expected to rejoin the main group soon and could still be available for selection.
Real Madrid are also dealing with several other injury concerns ahead of the tie. David Alaba is struggling with a calf issue, while Dani Ceballos and Éder Militão remain sidelined.
The most serious setback is for Rodrygo, who is set to undergo surgery after sustaining a significant knee injury, leaving the Spanish club with limited options as they prepare for one of the biggest matches of their season.
