Mbappé unlikely to be fit for UCL last-16 first leg against City

The problem with Kylian Mbappé's left knee, which had been hidden amidst efforts and forced games, has finally taken him off the field.

As anticipated by L’Equipe and confirmed by the radio Cadena SER, the French forward has been dealing with the injury for weeks, playing at the limit of pain until he could no longer compete normally.

Now, Mbappé has begun the recovery process with a clear goal: to return as soon as possible to help Real Madrid in the final stretch of the season.

In the program Carrusel Deportivo, journalist Javier Herráez explained the situation within the club and revealed the date set by the technical staff for the star's return.

"In three weeks he might return, if all goes well, for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City. It's Tuesday, March 17. That's the date marked on Real Madrid's calendar."

Absence in LaLiga games

Until the clash against City, Mbappé will be absent. He will miss the next Spanish Championship match against Getafe and will not travel to face Celta de Vigo.

Herráez also analyzed the player's physical management: "In my view, he stopped a bit late. He shouldn't have played in Pamplona. But at least he stopped, and we'll see if he recovers within the timelines that Real Madrid has in mind."

It's worth remembering that this is not the first time the Frenchman has missed decisive games this season. His absences, including the recent game against Benfica, have often coincided with the team's setbacks, such as the defeat in the derby against Atlético de Madrid (5-2), the loss in the first leg against City at the Bernabéu (2-1), the defeat in the Super Cup final to Barcelona (3-2), and the elimination in the Copa del Rey to Albacete.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.