Kylian Mbappé has provided a massive boost to Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes, returning to ball work on Friday as he races to be fit for Tuesday’s trip to Manchester City.
The French superstar shared footage of himself testing his injured left knee with powerful strikes and resistance drills at Valdebebas, marking his most significant progress since sustaining a sprain in December.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that while Mbappé will sit out Saturday’s La Liga clash against Elche—his fifth consecutive absence—the forward is expected to rejoin group training on Sunday. This follows a difficult 2026 for the 27-year-old, who has missed nearly half of Madrid’s fixtures this year due to recurring knee issues.
The timing couldn’t be better for Los Blancos, who currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead over Pep Guardiola’s side thanks to Federico Valverde’s first-leg hat-trick.
Although Arbeloa’s men were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Elche yesterday, the potential return of their 38-goal top scorer for the Etihad showdown has shifted the narrative firmly back in Madrid’s favor.