Major Kylian Mbappe scandal brewing at Real Madrid days before Man City clash

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Real Madrid have a big decision to make about Kylian Mbappe ahead of the Champions League second leg against Manchester City

Kylian Mbappe could be drawn into a club-versus-country row as Real Madrid weigh up fielding him against Manchester City.

The French star missed Real's Champions League first leg victory over City with a knee injury, which has kept him out since the end of February. Mbappe is back in training with a view to returning to action in the second leg at the Etihad or in next weekend's Madrid derby against Atletico.

Real are reportedly reluctant to release him for France's upcoming double-header of friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States. However, as the French Football Federation's biggest commercial asset, he is still expected to be called up.

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As a Nike-backed player, Mbappe is lined up to participate in various marketing initiatives ahead of the Brazil game. Nike are the kit supplier to both Brazil and France, making the match a prime commercial opportunity for all parties with the World Cup on the horizon.

Real cannot bar Mbappe from joining up with the France squad unless he is injured. Therefore, if he appears against City and Atletico, they wouldn't be able to play that card.

If he doesn't play in those games, Real could conceivably submit a medical report certifying his injury, which would give him 10 days' recovery time and rule him out of the national team games.

The international break is due to begin on March 23, with France playing Brazil in Boston on March 26 and Colombia in Washington DC on March 29.

Real head coach Alvaro Arbeloa gave an update on Mbappe's fitness ahead of Saturday league game against Elche. He said: "[Mbappe] is getting better every day.

"His development is progressing as it should. We made a plan. It depends on his progress, but I think he's doing very well. He won't be available tomorrow, but I expect he'll travel to Manchester."

Given Real will take a 3-0 lead into the second leg, Los Blancos may not feel the need to take any risks, especially with a crucial Madrid derby coming up.

As City were toiling to a draw at West Ham, Real, without Mbappe, were beating Elche 4-1 to close to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who host Sevilla on Sunday.