Kylian Mbappe is the biggest talking point ahead of the UEFA Champions League second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City. After missing several recent matches due to injury, fans are eager to know whether the French star will feature when Madrid travels to the Etihad Stadium.
The latest updates suggest that Mbappe will travel with the squad to Manchester, but his involvement in the match could be limited. Mbappe has been recovering from a knee injury, which forced him to sit out several important games for Real Madrid. The forward has not played since February 21, when Madrid suffered a 2–1 defeat to Osasuna.
Since then, the French striker has missed multiple matches, including the Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica, the La Liga defeat against Getafe, the league wins against Celta Vigo, the first-leg clash with Manchester City, and the win against Elche.
Kylian Mbappe to play against Manchester City under one circumstance
Despite Kylian Mbappe’s absence, Real Madrid still managed to deliver a huge performance in the first leg, winning 3–0, with midfielder Federico Valverde scoring a remarkable hat-trick. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that Mbappe’s recovery is progressing well and that the player is expected to travel to Manchester with the squad.
However, the manager has also hinted at a cautious approach. Madrid’s medical staff and coaching team want to avoid taking unnecessary risks with their top scorer, especially with crucial fixtures still ahead this season. If the match situation goes well for Real Madrid, Arbeloa is unlikely to risk bringing Mbappe onto the pitch. The idea is to protect the forward and ensure he returns fully fit rather than rushing him back into action.
🚨 JUST IN: Kylian Mbappé will be in Manchester with the team but in case the match goes well for Real Madrid, Arbeloa will not take any risks and bring him on.
— @JLSanchez78 pic.twitter.com/SO0ekzXCEw
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) March 16, 2026
Although he may not start the match, Kylian Mbappe will still be included on the bench. Recent training sessions show that he has returned to work with the squad, indicating that his recovery is progressing positively. This means there is still a possibility he could make a brief appearance if needed, especially if the game becomes more difficult than expected.
But if Real Madrid maintains control of the tie, the coaching staff is expected to prioritize caution over risk. Even if Mbappe does not play many minutes, his presence with the squad in Manchester could still provide a psychological boost for Real Madrid. The French star has been one of the club’s most important players this season, scoring heavily across competitions and leading the attack.
For now, the plan appears clear: Mbappe will travel, but Real Madrid will only use him if absolutely necessary.
