Mbappe Returns to Real Madrid Squad
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have been confirmed in Real Madrid's squad for their Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City on Tuesday.
France striker Mbappe, aged 27, was diagnosed with a left knee sprain in early March and has been absent from Real Madrid's lineup since their La Liga match against Osasuna on 21 February.
Bellingham Remains Out Due to Injury
Jude Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury less than 10 minutes into a league game against Rayo Vallecano on 1 February, which forced him off the field in tears.
The 22-year-old midfielder was initially expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks; however, the injury was later determined to be more severe than initially assessed.
This development cast doubt on his participation in England's upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan later this month.
Real Madrid Hold Advantage Ahead of Manchester Clash
Real Madrid travel to Manchester holding a strong advantage in the tie, having secured a 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu last Wednesday. Federico Valverde was the standout performer, scoring a first-half hat-trick.
The margin of victory could have been larger, but Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a penalty taken by Vinicius Jr early in the second half.
- Valverde's sumptuous hat-trick punishes Man City
- 'We need to get a frame for it' - Guler scores from own half
Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
