Kylian Mbappe has returned for Real Madrid's clash with Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie tonight. The French attacker missed the first leg with a thigh problem.
The 27-year-old was in red-hot form before sustaining an injury and he was expected to be a big miss at the Santiago Bernabeu. That wasn't the case though as Alvaro Arbeloa's men enjoyed arguably their best performance of the season.
A 3-0 win courtesy of Federico Valverde's stunning first-half hat-trick meant Madrid took full control of the tie. As a result, it means Mbappe won't be rushed back into action if he isn't required.
A report from Diario AS (via Madrid Universal) reports that Mbappe will start on the bench against City. But if he is needed he will come on in the second half at the Etihad.
That was a similar situation that occured during the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona in January. Los Blancos were drawing 2-2 at half-time but conceded a third from Raphinha in the 73rd minute and he entered the fray in the 77th minute.
Mbappe's fitness has been a concern throughout the season with many feeling he isn't being handled appropriately. Chasing records and Golden Boots is a great challenge but the risk of long-term injury isn't worth it.
Who is likely to start vs City?
With Mbappe expected to start on the bench against City all eyes will be on how Arbeloa sets his team up. His Los Blancos were superb in the first leg and changing the side wouldn't feel the right move.
According to Marca (via Madrid Zone), Arbeloa is set to make just one change to the lineup that beat the Cityzens so emphatically. Ferland Mendy's injury sustained in the second half means Fran Garcia will start at left-back.
Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz will be the attacking trio while Thiago Pitarch continues in midfield. That means exit-linked Eduardo Camavinga will settle for a place on the bench alongside Mbappe and Jude Bellingham who is also back.
Even if Arbeloa doesn't need to turn to Mbappe he might do so to at least get the Frenchman back in action. He was outstanding before his injury, posting 38 goals and six assists in 33 games across competitions.
Mbappe is also chasing the Champions League's Golden Boot and sits on 13 goals in eight games. He will be eager to claim the award at the end of the season and is currently three ahead of second-placed Anthony Gordon.