Real Madrid’s final UCL training session provides telling Mbappé clue

Mbappé trained normally with the group as Real Madrid completed their final session before the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City. The workout took place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and brought encouraging news for the Spanish side: if all goes well, the French forward will be available without any complications for the game against City, in which Madrid must protect the 3-0 lead they built in the first leg at the Bernabéu.

Álvaro Arbeloa had already hinted as much in his press conference: “Mbappé is available; tomorrow you’ll see him ...” The treatment the Frenchman has been undergoing for his knee problem appears to have worked, and he is feeling noticeably better than he was. As a result, he has entered the conversation to make the starting lineup – although that still looks highly unlikely.

The French forward is still not at full fitness, and there is little sense in taking unnecessary risks with him. That is especially true with a 3-0 cushion that allows Real Madrid to approach the second leg with a degree of calm. Mbappé is expected to start on the bench and be an option for the second half.

Madrid have five absences: Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder traveled with the squad to stay involved with the group and began the session alongside his teammates, but he will not be able to play, as the coach had already made clear in his press conference. David Alaba also made the trip, although it is not clear whether he will be available, and the situation is similar with Carreras.

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