Kylian Mbappe injury hint as Real Madrid star makes admission before Man City

CommentsSportJack Flintham Sport Central Audience Writer13:56, 10 Mar 2026Updated 17:27, 10 Mar 2026Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has hinted that Kylian Mbappe may not feature in the Champions League round of 16 first leg game against Manchester City. The Frenchman last played for Real in the defeat to Osasuna in February and has missed the last three matches due to a knee injury.

On Monday, Mbappe was pictured training alone as he continues his recovery. He was then spotted in a training session on Tuesday but it was unclear if this puts him in contention to face the Blues. With speculation around the 27-year-old's fitness mounting, Valverde hinted his team could have to do without their talisman.

"Mbappe is a very important player for us, but right now we are preparing for the match and focusing on what we have worked on these days and ensuring that the player who plays gives their best," Valverde said. "We need everyone in this type of match.

"It is very important that we all give one hundred per cent in both defence and attack to achieve a good result for the return leg." Mbappe scored a hat-trick the last time Real beat City but the Blues were victorious in December in the Champions League league phase clash.

When asked if his side were out for revenge, Valverde added: "We approach the match with great excitement and motivation. The match we played this season at the Bernabeu, we were doing a great job until they turned the game around. After that, we did not play a proper game; I think they dominated us once they were ahead.

"We have worked a lot these days, especially on offense. We need to know what each player has to do.

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"We have also worked defensively to stay united, which is essential. Many times this year, we have not had all eleven players defending.

"At this moment, we are fine and know what we have to do, focused. We need to get a good result because the second leg is still to come. These matches are tough, and we need to be physically and, above all, mentally prepared."