Kylian Mbappe is poised to return from injury as Real Madrid look to secure progression against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg.
The French forward missed the first leg in Madrid due to a knee issue but is now expected to feature at the Etihad Stadium. Real Madrid hold a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage heading into the decisive encounter.
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed Mbappe’s availability, underlining the significance of his return given his outstanding form this season, with 38 goals in 33 appearances.
“He is ready to play,” Arbeloa stated, highlighting the forward’s importance in high-stakes matches.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham has travelled with the squad as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Although the midfielder is not expected to feature, his presence within the group is viewed as a leadership boost during a crucial European tie.
With a strong first-leg lead, Real Madrid are widely expected to eliminate Manchester City for a third consecutive season in the competition, reinforcing their dominance in recent head-to-head meetings.
Defensively, Antonio Rudiger emphasised the importance of containing Erling Haaland, who has endured a relatively quiet spell by his usual standards. Rudiger welcomed the physical challenge posed by the City striker, describing such matchups as key battles at the highest level.
The German defender also addressed recent criticism from Diego Rico regarding an earlier on-field incident. Rudiger rejected claims of excessive intent, acknowledging his aggressive playing style while maintaining that it remains within competitive boundaries.
