The countdown to Manchester is on, and the news out of Valdebebas today is exactly what the Madridismo needed to hear. As the squad prepares to defend our 3-0 cushion at the Etihad, the training ground offered some major fitness boosts for Álvaro Arbeloa’s side.
Mbappé Returns to Full Training
The biggest headline of the day: Kylian Mbappé is back. After concerns regarding his fitness, the Frenchman completed Sunday’s session with the group at 100% intensity. Marca reports that he showed no signs of discomfort, clearing him to travel with the team to Manchester.
While his starting role remains a tactical decision for Arbeloa, having Kylian available is a massive psychological edge—even with Federico Valverde’s incredible first-leg hat-trick giving us a comfortable lead.
The Left-Back Situation
With Ferland Mendy sidelined following an injury in the first leg, the spotlight has shifted to the left flank:
- Alvaro Carreras: Participated in partial training today. He is expected to make the squad list and will undergo a final test during tomorrow’s session at the Etihad.
- Fran Garcia: After being on the periphery of the rotation, Fran is now firmly in contention to start if Carreras isn’t deemed 100% ready.
Asensio Watch
Marco Asensio is still fighting the clock. He continued his individual rehabilitation today for calf muscle pain. While he hasn’t been ruled out for the trip yet, his involvement remains the biggest question mark heading into Tuesday.