Kylian Mbappe is set to return from another absence due to a recurring left knee issue, but now that he is rested and healed up, he will be a part of the squad against Manchester City this week for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
According to a report from journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Mbappe may not play even though he is available. Because if the match is going well, Real do not plan on risking Mbappe, and they are instead leaving him in as an option in case they truly need him.
Without Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, Madrid still destroyed Man City 3-0 behind a hat trick from Fede Valverde, so chances are they do not need him in the second leg, which means extra rest for the Frenchman before Atletico Madrid.
It is a sensible strategy from the Merengues. Rest Mbappe but call him up for goals if Man City are able to mount a Remontada of their own at the Etihad.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2010. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has run sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling.