Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappé is set to travel with the team for the crucial second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 match against Manchester City next week. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed optimism during a news conference on Friday, stating that Mbappé’s recovery from a left knee sprain is progressing well.
Mbappé missed Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Elche at the Santiago Bernabéu, where a hat-trick from midfielder Eduardo Camavinga secured the win. The French international has been sidelined since December due to his knee issue, which has caused him to miss several important matches this season, including the previous league encounter with City and parts of the Spanish Supercopa.
Arbeloa shared, “[Mbappé] is getting better every day. His development is progressing as it should. We made a plan. It depends on his progress, but I think he’s doing very well. He won’t be available tomorrow, but I expect he’ll travel to Manchester.”
The coach is hopeful that Mbappé will also be fit to participate in the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid on March 22, 2024. Despite the ongoing recovery, Arbeloa refrained from commenting on whether Mbappé should rest during the forthcoming international break to allow for further healing. “That’s a long way off,” he added. “I want him to be able to travel to Manchester. Let’s see tomorrow and on Sunday, when we’ll make a final decision.”
In preparation for the match against Elche, Arbeloa confirmed he would field a strong lineup, emphasizing the importance of winning despite the upcoming fixture against City. “Tomorrow we’ll field the best possible XI to win,” he stated. “The players have to end each match completely exhausted; it’s their job. They have to be ready to fight like they did on Wednesday.”
The coach also praised goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his exceptional performance in the first leg against City, where he made a remarkable save to maintain the three-goal lead. “I’ve played with some of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Arbeloa remarked. “But what Courtois does is unmatched. There’s no debate; he’s undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history, in my opinion.”
As Real Madrid gears up for a vital period in their season, the return of Mbappé could prove pivotal not only in the Champions League but also in the upcoming league matches against Atlético Madrid and beyond.
