Real Madrid forward to undergo tests today to decide on availability vs Man City

Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe returned to Spain yesterday and began the final phase of his recovery, with the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City this Wednesday as his immediate target.

His availability will depend largely on how his left knee responds in the coming days. The French striker completed part of his recovery in Paris, where he consulted knee specialist Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet for a second opinion on his knee sprain.

Mbappe was forced to stop playing due to persistent pain caused by an injury originally sustained on December 7. Although he had returned intermittently for some matches, the problem had not fully healed.

As a result, he has missed Real Madrid’s last three matches against Benfica, Getafe, and Celta Vigo.

From the beginning, Mbappe’s recovery plan has been focused on March 11 , the date of the first Champions League match of the tie against Manchester City in Madrid.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo , Mbappe will report to Valdebebas early on Monday morning, where he will undergo a new medical evaluation to determine the next step in his recovery process.

The 27-year-old attacker has been following a conservative treatment program and spent several days in Paris working with recovery specialists from the club.

Tests today for Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Yesterday morning he completed his final rehabilitation session in France before flying back to the Spanish capital.

With the match against Manchester City just three days away, Mbappe has not yet been ruled out. His recovery has progressed positively, and today’s evaluation will determine whether he can begin training on the pitch or continue rehabilitation work in the gym.

Starting at 11:00 a.m., Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa will receive first-hand information about Mbappe’s condition. Until now, he has been relying on updates from the player himself and from club staff who accompanied the forward during his recovery period in Paris.

The shared objective within the club is clear: Mbappe should only return once he is fully fit.

Real Madrid want to avoid a situation in which the Frenchman returns prematurely and continues to play with limitations, something that has already happened in several matches in 2026.