Real Madrid are increasingly confident that French forward Kylian Mbappé will be fit for their crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 11, 2026.
The forward returned to training after a minor muscle problem that forced him to miss Madrid’s most recent La Liga match. His absence had raised concern among supporters ahead of one of the club’s most important fixtures of the season.
Sources within Real Madrid confirmed on March 5 that Mbappé’s recovery is progressing well. The club’s coaching staff expect him to be included in the squad list for the decisive European encounter if his fitness continues to improve.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti described Mbappé as a vital part of Madrid’s attacking structure. According to the Italian coach, the striker’s pace and finishing ability could prove decisive against a team of City’s quality.
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On the other side, Pep Guardiola is preparing his side for a demanding contest in Madrid. The Premier League champions remain one of Europe’s most tactically disciplined teams, which sets the stage for a high level battle between two of the continent’s most successful clubs.
Real Madrid’s medical team has advised caution, noting that the player’s full recovery remains the priority before any final decision is taken on his participation.
If declared fit, Mbappé would hand Madrid a major boost as they attempt to overturn a narrow first leg deficit and keep their Champions League campaign alive. The match is already drawing strong attention across Europe, with supporters and analysts closely watching the player’s progress in training ahead of the decisive encounter.
