Mbappe’s Uncertain Return Looms as Real Madrid Trains Ahead of Manchester City Clash
10 March 2026
Madrid's Final Training Before City Showdown
Real Madrid conducted their last practice on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Manchester City.
Where and When
The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.
Injuries and Absences
Seven players did not take part in the group drills: Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo Goes.
Mbappe's Status and Injury Updates
Mbappe trained individually in the gym and on the pitch but has not yet touched the ball; he is expected to miss the first leg, though could be involved in the second leg in Manchester.
Other Updates
Madrid announced Alvaro Carreras's muscular injury in the right calf, with an estimated return of about a week, and the best-case scenario pointing to a comeback in Manchester for the City clash. Mbappe recently traveled to Paris for a second medical opinion.
Additionally, Militao and Alaba remained sidelined, and the squad will need to adapt if more players fail to recover in time.
Punchline 1: If the ball won’t cooperate, Madrid can always blame the lighting at the Bernabeu—every good shot deserves a dramatic spotlight. Punchline 2: When life gives you injuries, just call it a tactical rotation and pretend you’re auditioning for a real-life soap opera called The Champions League.
