Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed optimism on Friday that Kylian Mbappé will be fit to face Manchester City in the decisive second leg of their Champions League last‑16 tie. Speaking to reporters, Arbeloa said the French forward is “improving every day,” though he will not feature in Saturday’s La Liga match against Elche. Madrid stunned City 3–0 in the first leg at the Bernabéu despite missing several key players, with Federico Valverde delivering a remarkable hat‑trick.
City now face the prospect of a third consecutive European exit at Madrid’s hands when they host the return fixture on Tuesday. Mbappé has been sidelined since late February due to a sprain in his left knee, which forced him out of the squad for the second leg against Benfica. Still, his season tally stands at an extraordinary 38 goals in 33 appearances. His expected comeback comes just before France’s pre‑World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States.