Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images

Real Madrid Announce Kylian Mbappe Decision Before La Liga Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 3:01 PM ET

Real Madrid will play against Elche in La Liga at the Bernabeu. They are currently second in the league table but will need three points to get closer to FC Barcelona, who are top of the league table.

The team will be without Kylian Mbappe once again as the French star continues to recover from the knee sprain that has kept him out for the past few games.

The French star returned to training earlier this week, but was not part of the Real Madrid squad for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Mbappe was seen supporting the team at the Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

Despite missing another game for Real Madrid tonight, more updates on his injury suggest that his return could be closer than many expected. Vinicius Junior and Brahim Diaz once again start in the attack.

Kylian Mbappe set to return next week?

Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid are confident that Mbappe resting for the match against Elche pushes him closer to return next week against Manchester City for the seocnd leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Mbappe could potentially be a part of the Real Madrid squad for th ematcha agist Manchteser City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Mbappe continued to train at the Real Madrid facilities ahead of the match against Elche and is likely to be back in the squad sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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