UEFA Champions League: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham Return for Real Madrid Clash with Manchester City

Real Madrid have confirmed their squad for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Manchester City, with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham returning after recent fitness concerns.

The Spanish giants travel to England with a strong 3–0 advantage from the first leg, where Federico Valverde scored a stunning hat-trick to put Madrid firmly in control of the tie.

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa announced the travelling squad on Monday ahead of the crucial encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Mbappé boost for Madrid

The biggest headline from the squad list is the return of Mbappé, who had missed several recent matches due to a knee injury.

Although the French forward is not expected to start, his availability is seen as a major boost for Madrid as they aim to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.

Bellingham has also been included in the squad despite lingering concerns about his match fitness, meaning the England international could feature in some capacity during the match.

Defensive returns and absentees

Madrid have also welcomed back Álvaro Carreras after recovering from a knock, while experienced defender David Alaba has returned to the squad.

However, several players will miss the trip to Manchester. Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio have not recovered in time. They join Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Dani Ceballos on the list of absentees.

Arbeloa has also included several academy prospects in the travelling squad, including Diego Aguado, Jorge Cestero, Manuel Ángel, César Palacios and Thiago Pitarch, while Castilla defender Mario Rivas has been called up.

Meanwhile, Argentine youngster Franco Mastantuono returns to the squad after missing the weekend league game due to suspension.

With a three-goal cushion from the first leg, Real Madrid will look to manage the tie carefully as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. ⚽