Alvaro Arbeloa delivers positive Kylian Mbappé Injury update ahead of Real Madrid's UCL Clash with Man City

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has provided an injury update on the superstar Kylian Mbappe ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Premier League giants Manchester City next week.

Arbeloa offered a positive update on the French striker’s persistent knee injury, with a crucial Champions League first-leg encounter scheduled at the Santiago Bernabéu on 11 March.

Mbappe has been out of action for close to a month, but is expected to return on time to face Pep Guardiola’s side, with Los Blancos’ boss insisting the forward’s recovery is firmly on track.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s manager has moved quickly to reassure on Mbappe’s fitness with positive medical reports and availability, describing the latest reports as “all good news”.

The club recently confirmed a conservative treatment plan for the French international, avoiding the need for invasive surgery.

However, the timeline for his return remains a mystery, as the medical staff monitors his reaction to increased workloads.

Although the 27-year-old’s own entourage are reportedly unhappy amid suggestions Madrid are trying to rush him back to face City in the important clash.

Kylian Mbappe has been sidelined with a knee injury for weeks (Image: Getty Images)

Speaking to the media via the club’s official website on Mbappe’s current condition, Arbeloa explained that the striker is on a good recovery path from his injury.

Arbeloa said, “Of course, I speak to [Mbappe] every day. It’s under control; every day he’s better. I’ve said it’s a process where we’ll go day by day according to his feelings. Right now, it’s all good news.”

Madrid are entering the crucial stages of the season, with games in La Liga coming thick and fast, as they continue to keep tabs on league leaders Barcelona, who have stretched the gap further, leading by four points after 26 games.

The next phase of Europe’s biggest club competition will test Arbeloa’s squad, with the main concern surrounding whether Mbappe can lead the line in the second leg of the CL round of 16 against Pep Guardiola’s side, a match that is crucial for the club’s European ambitions.

The second leg of the clash is set for March 17, at the Etihad Stadium; however, Mbappe and those close to him feel Madrid is attempting to rush the striker back, a move that could spark a long-term setback that might put his World Cup in jeopardy.

At the moment, Arbeloa’s side will continue their struggles without their top scorer, alongside a series of crucial matches ahead of the second leg in Manchester.

Madrid face Celta Vigo in La Liga this weekend as they look to catch up with Barcelona. After suffering two consecutive defeats in the league.