Real Madrid have been handed an unwelcome worry after Kylian Mbappé appeared to suffer a fitness setback in the buildup to their high-stakes showdown with Manchester City. The forward, who has been central to Madrid’s attacking threat this season, was seen experiencing discomfort during training, prompting immediate concern within the club.

Although early indications suggest the issue may not be severe, the timing could not be more critical. Madrid face a decisive meeting with City, a fixture that has become one of Europe’s most intense modern rivalries. With the stakes high and both sides fighting for a place in the latter stages of the Champions League, Mbappé’s availability is viewed as essential.

Coaching staff are now closely monitoring his condition and will assess his participation based on how he responds over the next 24 to 48 hours. Madrid remain hopeful that the problem is only minor, but they will not risk aggravating it ahead of such an important match.

The club’s medical team are running precautionary checks while Carlo Ancelotti evaluates alternative plans should Mbappé be limited or ruled out. Even so, optimism persists that the French star will recover in time for the showdown.

For Real Madrid supporters, the incident is a reminder of how quickly circumstances can shift before a major fixture — and why Mbappé’s fitness remains one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the clash with Manchester City.