Real Madrid Superstar Back in Full Training, Set for Man City Test
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Real Madrid could receive a major boost ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City
- Los Blancos carry a strong 3–0 advantage into the second leg after recent wins over Manchester City and Elche CF
- Álvaro Carreras is also close to returning for Madrid, while Raúl Asencio remains a fitness doubt ahead of the big match
- Former Ghana striker claims Real Madrid look better as a team without Kylian Mbappé despite his Ballon d’Or form
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Real Madrid have endured a challenging few weeks, dealing with several injuries and a slight dip in performance.
However, their recent results, including a 3–0 victory over Manchester City and a 4–1 win against Elche on Saturday night, suggest that things may be turning around.
Source: Getty Images
Now, the situation could improve even further as the Spanish giants appear set to welcome back their talismanic forward, Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé could start against Manchester City
According to Diario AS, Mbappé has returned to normal training after struggling with an injury in recent matches.
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The French international trained normally with the rest of the squad and reportedly showed no signs of discomfort or setbacks.
As a result, the report suggests the star forward is highly likely to start against Manchester City in the second leg of the Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League this week, per Madrid Universal.
His return would represent a major boost for Alvaro Arbeloa's side, who are aiming to protect their three-goal advantage from the first leg.
Considering Manchester City’s attacking threat, Real Madrid may view attack as the best form of defence - an area where Mbappé could play a crucial role.
The Frenchman’s pace and ability to find goalscoring positions could cause serious problems for the English side. His partnership with Vinícius Júnior could also prove decisive.
That said, Real Madrid must remain cautious with Mbappé’s fitness.
The club will want to ensure the former Paris Saint-Germain star stays healthy for the decisive stages later in the season - provided they successfully defend their advantage against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could also receive a boost with the possible return of Álvaro Carreras, although Raúl Asencio remains a doubt.
Source: Getty Images
Bekoe: Real Madrid better without Mbappé
Meanwhile, Eric Bekoe believes Real Madrid look stronger as a team when they play without Kylian Mbappé, despite the forward’s outstanding form this season.
The former Asante Kotoko SC striker acknowledged that Mbappé has been performing at a very high level and could even go on to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
“Real Madrid, for me, look like a better team collectively when Mbappé is not playing,” Bekoe told YEN.com.gh.
"The players who play in his absent press so well and put in the work defensively. That really help the shape and give Real Madrid a good balance."
He was quick to stress, however, that the French superstar remains one of the best players in world football at the moment.
“Mbappé is in top form this season and if things continue like this, he can win the Ballon d’Or. Right now, he is the best player in the world,” he added.
Semenyo backed to shine against Real Madrid
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo has been called upon to deliver a standout performance for Manchester City against Real Madrid in their crucial Champions League clash.
The Ghanaian forward is expected to lead City’s attack and make a decisive impact as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to overcome Madrid in the Spanish capital.
Source: YEN.com.gh