French striker, Kylian Mbappé will miss Real Madrid’s Champions League first-leg showdown with Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu after failing to recover in time from a knee injury.
Mbappé, 25, returned to light training but is not yet ready for competitive action.
The club confirmed he will sit out the crucial European tie as he continues his recovery, with hopes now shifting towards a possible return for the second leg next week.
Naija News reports that Mbappé’s campaign has been repeatedly disrupted by a stubborn knee problem. The latest setback marks the third time this season the same issue has forced him out, and he has already missed Real Madrid’s last three matches in all competitions.
In a bid to accelerate his recovery, the former Paris Saint Germain star briefly travelled to Paris for specialised treatment before returning to Madrid.
His comeback to training had raised optimism that he might feature against City, but his absence from Monday’s full session suggested otherwise.
Even a place on the bench appears unlikely for the first leg.
Earlier in the season, Mbappé faced a similar situation during another meeting with Manchester City in the Champions League league phase. Although declared fit at the time, he remained on the bench throughout the 2-1 defeat and did not play.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also confirmed a major injury blow involving Rodrygo.
Rodrygo
The Brazilian forward has successfully undergone surgery after suffering a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus in his right knee.
In a statement, the club said: “Our player Rodrygo has successfully undergone surgery for the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of his right leg. The operation was performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services. Rodrygo will start his rehabilitation work in the coming days.”
Rodrygo now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he begins his rehabilitation programme.
