Kylian Mbappé is in a race against time to be fit for Real Madrid’s pivotal UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City after missing Tuesday’s squad training, casting major doubt over his availability.
The French superstar, who has scored nine goals in this season’s competition, was a notable absentee from the session just one day before the blockbuster first-leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu. The club has not disclosed the nature of his absence, leaving it unclear whether it is due to injury or a precautionary measure.
The news, first reported by Fabrizio Romano, with a post on his X handle, sparks immediate concern for Los Blancos. Mbappé’s potential absence would be a seismic blow to their plans, stripping the attack of its most potent threat ahead of a showdown with City’s own goal machine, Erling Haaland.
His possible unavailability comes at a sensitive moment, following Real Madrid’s shock 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday—their first loss at the Bernabéu this season.
With the tie finely poised, Real Madrid now face an anxious wait to see if their record-signing can recover in time for what promises to be a magical, yet physically demanding, European night.
