Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said mbappe could return soon as the team trained in Madrid ahead of a Champions League tie with Manchester City. Mbappé has not played since Feb. 21 because of a knee problem and did not train with the squad on Tuesday (ET). Arbeloa described the week as positive but added it would be a major surprise if he plays at home against City on Wednesday (ET), with other injuries complicating selection.
Mbappe’s training status
Arbeloa confirmed that Mbappé was not with the full group at Ciudad Real Madrid on Tuesday (ET). While some players carried out activation work, rondos, possession and pressure exercises followed by a tactical session and a match, Mbappé trained separately, mirroring the pattern for other players undergoing recovery processes. Arbeloa said, “Well, he’s better. Obviously, we have to take one day at a time and see how he is evolving. But this week has been positive. He’s back giving a good feeling. And we are looking forward to having him back soon. ” Álvaro Arbeloa, coach of Real Madrid, spoke through an interpreter on the training-ground update.
Injury picture and squad impact
The absence of Mbappé ties into a broader injury situation at the club that has already seen key players miss time. The club confirmed that several players — including Alaba, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Éder Militão and Rodrygo — continued to train separately as they recover. Rodrygo has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Bellingham has not played in over a month and also did not train with the team on Tuesday (ET). That mix of long-term and short-term absences increases uncertainty over Real Madrid’s options for the Champions League meeting with Manchester City on Wednesday (ET).
Immediate reactions and medical update
Real Madrid released a medical note on a separate case, confirming a diagnosis from the club’s Medical Services. “After the tests conducted on our player Álvaro Carreras by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the calf of his right leg. Awaiting evolution, ” the club said, and added that the defender will miss the first leg of the Champions League match against Manchester City.
Arbeloa’s public remarks and the club medical note together frame a restrictive selection picture: Mbappé’s presence remains hopeful but unconfirmed, while Carreras is explicitly sidelined for the opening tie.
What’s next
Real Madrid will monitor Mbappé’s day-to-day evolution and final availability will be decided in the hours before kickoff on Wednesday (ET). The club’s medical team will continue assessments; the confirmed calf injury for Álvaro Carreras removes one option from the squad for the first leg. Expect updated training reports and final squad lists closer to match time as staff weigh recovery progress against the demands of a high-stakes home fixture — with mbappe’s status the most watched development.
