mbappe is a major doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League tie with Manchester City after being diagnosed with a left knee sprain and placed on conservative treatment, Real Madrid confirmed. The club also lists Jude Bellingham as a doubt as Real contend with multiple absences ahead of the first leg. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa described mbappe’s recovery as a day-to-day process and warned the squad will be managed carefully.
Mbappe injury update
Real Madrid’s medical briefing confirms the diagnosis of a sprain to the external ligament of mbappe’s left knee and that no surgical intervention is being planned at this stage. The striker missed the recent Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica and travelled to Paris for further tests while remaining on a conservative course of treatment. The club said the decision is aimed at optimising follow-up care and preparing for a full comeback without surgery for now.
Arbeloa also provided an on-the-record assessment of mbappe’s fitness trajectory: “He’s much better. As I’ve mentioned over the past weeks, it’s a day-to-day process to see how he evolves. This entire week has been very positive, and he’s returned with great sensations. Every day he’s getting better, and we’re expecting him back very soon, ” said Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid coach. Team images show mbappe returning to solo training drills while not yet reintegrated into group work with teammates.
Immediate reactions
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid coach, framed the situation as cautious optimism, stressing the club wants mbappe to return fully fit rather than rush him back. Real Madrid issued a statement confirming the sprain diagnosis and the current plan for conservative treatment and further testing in Paris with club medical staff present.
The squad lists multiple concerns beyond mbappe. Jude Bellingham is also described as a major doubt for the Manchester City tie, and other absentees include players recovering from calf and hamstring problems. Rodrygo will not feature in either leg after undergoing ACL surgery, and other defenders have been assessed for muscle issues, increasing pressure on selection choices for the tie.
What’s next
Real Madrid will monitor mbappe’s response to treatment and the club’s ongoing tests before finalising their selection for the Champions League first leg. Arbeloa signalled a conservative, day-to-day approach to returns, emphasising fitness over a fixed timeframe. The club has listed potential return windows for other injured players in internal notes, but mbappe’s availability for the Manchester City first leg remains unclear and will be confirmed only after continued assessment.
Expect new medical updates from Real Madrid and player availability bulletins ahead of the match as the coaching staff balance short-term selection needs with the priority of ensuring mbappe and other injured players recover fully.
