No plans for Kylian Mbappe to undergo knee surgery, Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa hopes for swift return
Published 02/03/2026 at 19:52 GMT
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Manchester City could face Real Madrid without star player Kylian Mbappe, who is set to have further tests on a knee injury that has caused problems for several weeks. The 27-year-old will avoid surgery, but no return date has been given. Real Madrid host Pep Guardiola's side in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie on March 11 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘Better not to set deadlines’ – Arbeloa gives update on Mbappe injury
Video credit: SNTV
There are no plans for Kylian Mbappe to undergo surgery on his knee, but he is set for further tests to assess the severity of the injury.
The Real Madrid forward has had a recurring issue with the external ligament of his left knee since the end of 2025.
He has played through it and continued to score prolifically, but was absent for his side's UEFA Champions League play-off victory over Benfica last week.
It remains to be seen if Mbappe will be available for his side's Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Manchester City on March 11 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"In agreement with the club, he is undergoing further tests on his knee with the aim of optimising his follow-up care and preparing for his comeback," a statement from the player's representatives read.
"No surgical intervention is being planned at the moment."
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa also gave an update on Mbappe's fitness.
"It was a bit of a consensus between everyone, and we think the best thing is that he stops, that he recovers and comes back at 100%," he said.
"It is not going to be a question of days, it will be a bit longer, but I cannot say how long. Hopefully not too long."
Arbeloa added: "We will take it day by day. It is a matter of him seeing how he is feeling, how he is recovering, how it progresses.
"I believe it is better not to set deadlines right now. It is basically some discomfort he is suffering that we have to assess daily to see how he is feeling and, based on that, we will make decisions."
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Arbeloa also gave his view on his side's upcoming tie against City, who Real Madrid have met several times in the Champions League knockout stages in recent years.
"I think it's going to be an exciting duel between two great clubs," he said. "I believe it is a match-up that Madrid fans really enjoy at the Bernabeu because of the opponent's stature, and obviously, when the time comes, we'll prepare to the fullest knowing the demands it will entail."
Real Madrid face Getafe in La Liga on Monday, without Mbappe, who has scored 23 goals in 23 league games so far this season.
Los Blancos then face Celta Vigo away on Friday, before hosting City in the first leg of their last 16 clash on the following Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola's side, meanwhile, host Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and travel to Newcastle United in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday - both live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Video credit: SNTV
How to watch Manchester City v Nottingham Forest
Manchester City v Nottingham Forest will be live on TNT Sports 4 and discovery+ with coverage starting at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday, March 4.
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.
For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.
Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide. And for the full Premier League schedule, click here.
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