Kylian Mbappe Cleared for Comeback as Real Madrid Prepare for Manchester City Showdown

Key Takeaways:

• Kylian Mbappe is set to return from a knee injury for Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City
• Jude Bellingham has travelled with the squad but will not play, as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue
• Antonio Rudiger discussed his defensive approach and the challenge of marking Erling Haaland, ahead of the decisive clash at the Etihad Stadium

Mbappe Set to Boost Real Madrid’s Attack

Real Madrid have received a significant boost with the return of Kylian Mbappe, who is poised to play against Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday. The French striker was absent due to a knee injury during Real’s emphatic 3-0 first-leg victory in Madrid last week. Mbappe, who has delivered an impressive tally of 38 goals in 33 matches this season, is expected to step back into the line-up at the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa affirmed Mbappe’s readiness during a press conference: “Mbappe is ready to play,” Arbeloa told reporters on Monday. “I cannot wait to see him back on the pitch, to enjoy watching him play, to score the goals he scores. Of course he’ll be important.”

⭐️ Kylian Mbappé on IG: “Back to business.” pic.twitter.com/VXhW8ztuOK

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 16, 2026

Bellingham Travels, but Misses Out Amid Recovery

England international Jude Bellingham has accompanied the Real squad to Manchester as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Despite his presence, he will not be available for selection against Manchester City. Arbeloa commented on Bellingham’s involvement: “Bellingham wanted to come with his team-mates,” Arbeloa said. “I’m very happy to see him getting closer to the team. It is important to be around his team-mates, during the team-talk and at half-time he’ll be one of the leaders as he always is.”

Real Madrid Primed to Extend Dominance over Man City

Having established a commanding advantage with their 3-0 victory in Madrid, Real Madrid are anticipated to eliminate Manchester City from the competition for the third consecutive season. The Spanish side’s defensive focus will be crucial, with Antonio Rudiger highlighting the challenge posed by City striker Erling Haaland, who has struggled for form recently.

Speaking about the impending contest, Rudiger stated: “Players like Haaland, it’s a huge pleasure to play against this type of player,” Rudiger said. “I like the physical battle, I want it and need it, the same as him. I’m looking forward to it. He’s a world-class striker, very strong, and I like these type of duels.”

Rudiger Discusses Defensive Intensity and Recent Controversy

Antonio Rudiger also addressed questions about his combative playing style, following allegations by Getafe defender Diego Rico, who described an earlier challenge this month as an “assault.” Rudiger responded: “In slow motion it looks terrible but in the action itself and also what the player said, it was like I almost killed him,” Rudiger said. “He doesn’t need to exaggerate because if I’d had the intention to do that he wouldn’t have stood up. I don’t justify it but the way he spoke after the game was like I killed him, but he was running afterwards. We all know I like to be tough on the pitch but I still have boundaries. I am a human being.”