Mbappe pushing for Manchester City first leg return

According to 'Marca', Kylian Mbappe is working in Paris under Real Madrid medical supervision, aiming to feature in the Champions League last-16 first leg against Manchester City. The club acknowledges it's a tough ask but refuses to rule out his early return.

"We're monitoring his condition closely and how he's progressing. It's a process where we'll take it day by day, assessing his sensations. He's improving every day," Alvaro Arbeloa stated on Thursday regarding Kylian Mbappe's situation. The Real Madrid forward continues to receive treatment for a concerning knee sprain. While the club insists he will not require surgery, they are even considering ambitious targets, such as his return against Manchester City.

And we're not talking about the second leg in two weeks. 'Marca' reports the Frenchman will do everything possible to be fit for the Champions League last-16 first leg.