Kylian Mbappé will be absent for the sixth consecutive game for Real Madrid as they face Manchester City. The star forward has not played since February 21, 2026, due to a persistent knee injury he sustained on December 7, 2025.
Mbappé has been a crucial player for Real Madrid this season, leading the team with 38 goals in 33 matches. His absence is felt deeply, especially after Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory in the first leg against Manchester City.
Despite his ongoing recovery, Real Madrid’s head coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed optimism about Mbappé’s potential return, stating, “[Mbappé] is getting better every day, his progress is what it should be.” Arbeloa noted that while Mbappé will not participate in the upcoming match, he is hopeful that the forward will travel to Manchester soon.
In preparation for the match, Mbappé participated in the last two group training sessions with the team. However, during the most recent session, he was seen touching his knee, which raised concerns about his fitness level.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Mbappé’s exact return date, and it remains uncertain if he will play in the second half of the match against Manchester City. As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this impacts Real Madrid’s performance in the Champions League.
