Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappe, is set to return to the pitch against Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. However, midfielder Jude Bellingham will not be participating despite being part of the travelling squad.
Kylian Mbappe, a 27-year-old France international player, had been sidelined due to a left knee sprain he sustained at the beginning of March. The injury kept him out of Real's line-up since their La Liga game against Osasuna on 21 February. His return is expected to boost Real Madrid's offensive capabilities significantly. On the other hand, Jude Bellingham will not feature in this crucial match. The 22-year-old midfielder suffered a hamstring injury less than 10 minutes into a league game against Rayo Vallecano on 1 February and was visibly upset as he left the field.
Initially expected to miss about four weeks due to his injury, further examination revealed that it was more severe than initially thought. Despite being included in Real's travelling party for Tuesday's fixture against Manchester City, team boss Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed that Bellingham would not be playing.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid manager, said:
"Bellingham wanted to come with his team-mates to be with the team. He will continue and do part of the training, but he won't be available tomorrow. Mbappe is already available, so you will see him. I am eager to have him on the field, to enjoy him and his goals, but also in the game, he will be a very important player."
Bellingham’s absence has also raised doubts about his availability for England’s friendlies later this month against Uruguay and Japan.
Arbeloa optimistic about team morale
Arbeloa expressed happiness at seeing Bellingham "getting closer" to returning and acknowledged that his presence would lift Real Madrid’s squad morale for the upcoming game.
Alvaro Arbeloa added:
"It will be very important for his team-mates to see him training today and tomorrow before the match, at half-time, or afterwards,"
"He is a player who will be one of the leaders, and he already is. It's very important that he is here with us."
Real Madrid heads into this match with an advantage after winning the first leg 3-0 at Bernabeu last Wednesday when Federico Valverde scored an impressive first-half hat-trick. The margin of victory could have been even greater, but Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Vinicius Jr's penalty early in the second half. The return of Mbappe and the team's morale boost from Bellingham’s presence are expected to play a significant role in this upcoming match. However, with Bellingham sidelined, it remains to be seen how Real Madrid will adjust their strategy against Manchester City.
