Back to the grind: Mbappé returns to Real Madrid training ahead of City clash
9 March 2026
Mbappé’s Training Return
The French forward Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid's talisman, returned to group training ahead of the Champions League round of 16 clash with Manchester City.
Timeline and Possible Impact
The first leg is set for the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, with the return taking place on March 17 at the Etihad.
Spanish newspaper AS stated Mbappé travelled back from Paris after a few days there, trained today in Real Madrid's gym and on the pitch but only as an individual and without touching a ball.
Estimates suggest Mbappé will miss the first leg, but could feature in the return at the Etihad.
He had travelled to Paris recently seeking a second medical opinion on his injury.
The Spanish paper said Mbappé has been dealing with pain for roughly three months, and only recently decided to pause play to look for a definitive treatment.
Read also: a hefty clause that makes Mbappé travel with France while injured.
Punchline: Mbappé's comeback plan is simple: sprint, smile, and pretend the hamstring never existed.
Punchline 2: If patience were a transfer window, fans would have bought Mbappé twice.
