According to Spanish media, Kylian Mbappe did not participate in Real Madrid's recent training session and is almost certain to be absent from the match against Man City, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
Mbappe is currently the Champions League top scorer this season with 13 goals and scored a hat-trick against Man City to eliminate Pep Guardiola's team, when the two teams met in the play-offs last year.
Donnarumma used to play with Mbappe when they were both at Paris Saint-Germain and the Italian goalkeeper said that the striker's inability to play will help him feel more secure.
I was lucky to play with Kylian and he is one of the best players in the world. He is a great talent and as a goalkeeper, not having to face these players may be an advantage.
I have less work to do, but the players who will replace him are all champions. We will face Real Madrid, a team full of champions, so we must pay close attention.
I am a close friend of Mbappe and I hope he can return soon and be ready for the second leg because he deserves it," Donnarumma shared.
Real Madrid players themselves have also determined that Mbappe will be absent from the first leg and hope to participate in the second leg against Man City. Star Valverde shared: "Mbappe is a very important player for Real Madrid, but currently we are preparing for the match and focusing on what we have trained in recent days, while ensuring that the players who take the field will dedicate their best. We need everyone in important matches like this".
With Donnarumma, he won the Champions League with PSG last season. He joined Man City in the summer of 2025 and quickly became Guardiola's number 1 choice. According to this goalkeeper, Man City is a bright candidate for the European championship this season.
He shared: "I think there are some teams that can reach the final. There are many strong teams, it's very difficult to play. If talking about last season, before the round of 16, no one thought PSG could be a strong candidate for the championship, but things could change.
That depends on the time. Right now we are about to play matches where you will be eliminated or eliminated. Every small detail can make a difference.
The Real Madrid vs Man City match will take place at 3:00 AM on the 12th.
