Real Madrid have been without their top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe for three weeks now, with the Frenchman sidelined due to a knee sprain.
It was a recurrence of the same injury that the 27-year-old superstar had sustained in December and led to him missing a game at the start of the new year.
Mbappe has now gone on to miss four matches across all competitions, which includes two Champions League clashes against SL Benfica and Manchester City.
And, as per reports earlier today, he is also ruled out of the weekend’s La Liga clash against Elche while remaining a doubt for next week’s reverse fixture vs the Cityzens.
Mbappe could return vs Man City
But, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, Mbappe has been ‘feeling good’ and increasingly positive during training sessions in recent days.
Within the club, there is even some pleasant surprise at how quickly he has managed to recover. As such, he could potentially be available both for the match against Manchester City on Tuesday.
Mbappe returned to Spain on Monday after spending the previous week in Paris receiving treatment for his injury under the supervision of members of Real Madrid’s medical staff, who remained with him during his recovery.
David Alaba and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Mbappe could be back in action next week. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Upon returning to Madrid, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner resumed light running on Monday, accompanied by the physical trainer who had been overseeing his recovery in France during the previous days.
Following that, Mbappe was seen performing small jumping exercises during training today, confirming the positive feeling regarding the condition of his knee, something he has acknowledged privately.
This progress could allow him to be considered for selection in the return leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Manchester City on Tuesday.
In fact, if the positive sensations continue, the World Cup winner might even receive playing time during France’s friendly matches in the United States against Brazil and later this month.
However, these positive signs must still pass several medical and physical tests in Madrid in the coming days. Those evaluations will determine whether Mbappe can officially return to competition as early as next week.