Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa expressed optimism on Friday regarding star forward Kylian Mbappé‘s potential availability for the team’s vital second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City next week.
Mbappé was absent during Wednesday’s 3-0 victory at the Bernabéu, where midfielder Federico Valverde scored a hat trick in his place.
The French international has been recuperating from a left knee sprain that has troubled him since December. Real Madrid is facing a critical series of matches, including the clash with City and a LaLiga derby against Atletico Madrid.
“Mbappé is improving daily,” Arbeloa stated in a news conference before Madrid’s league match against Elche. “His recovery is progressing as planned. While I can’t confirm if he’ll play tomorrow, I am hopeful he will travel to Manchester.”
With 38 goals in all competitions this season, Mbappé is the leading scorer for Madrid, but his knee issue has sidelined him for key matches, including the league encounter against City, most of the Spanish Supercopa, and the second leg of their Champions League playoff against Benfica.
When asked if he believed Mbappé should rest during the upcoming international break to aid his recovery, Arbeloa refrained from commenting.
“That’s a decision for another time,” he remarked. “My priority is to have him ready for the Manchester match. We’ll reassess after the Elche game and decide if he’ll be available for the Atletico Madrid match on March 22. As for France, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
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Despite the upcoming challenge against Manchester City, Arbeloa confirmed that he would field a strong lineup against struggling Elche on Saturday.
“Tomorrow, we’ll put out the best possible XI to secure a win,” he asserted. “Our players need to leave everything on the pitch and be prepared to fight like they did on Wednesday.”
Arbeloa also praised goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his impressive performance and key saves in the first leg against City.
“I’ve played alongside some of the greatest goalkeepers in history, and what Courtois achieves is unparalleled,” Arbeloa praised. “In my opinion, he is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history.”