Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa says Kylian Mbappe could return for the Champions League clash against Manchester City

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa says he is confident that Kylian Mbappé will be available for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Manchester City F.C..

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Arbeloa made the remark during a press conference on Friday while giving an update on the French forward’s fitness.

“He’s getting better day by day,” Arbeloa said. “He won’t be there tomorrow against Elche, but I’m confident he’ll be on the trip to Manchester.”

Mbappe has been sidelined with a knee injury and has not played since February.

Despite the absences of several key players, Madrid defeated City 3–0 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick to secure the emphatic victory for the Spanish giants.

City will host the second leg next Tuesday and risk being eliminated by Madrid for the third consecutive season.

Mbappe has been dealing with a sprain in his left knee since late December.

The injury forced him to withdraw from Madrid’s squad for their Champions League play-off match against S.L. Benfica on February 25.

The French striker has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 38 goals in 33 appearances for Madrid.

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His potential return also comes ahead of the international break. France national football team are scheduled to face Brazil national football team and Colombia national football team in pre-World Cup friendlies in the United States.