Mbappé Returns to Madrid, Ruled Out of First Leg Against Manchester City

Real Madrid's talisman Kylian Mbappé has returned to the Spanish capital after spending several days in Paris, where he sought additional medical consultations over the persistent left knee injury that has kept him out of action. He made the trip back accompanied by a physiotherapist and a fitness coach from the club.

It is now clear that Mbappé will play no part in the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City. Further tests in the coming days will determine whether he has any chance of featuring in the return fixture in England on March 17th, though sources at RMC suggest the club views that prospect as a risky one — a sentiment shared by Mbappé and those close to him.

Marca had reported that there was a slim possibility Mbappé could use the remaining days before the first leg to push for fitness, but that now appears virtually out of the question. As a result, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without both the French forward and Jude Bellingham when Madrid host the Citizens at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.