Mbappe boosts Real Madrid ahead of Man City clash

Mbappe returns Real Madrid squad ahead of Champions League clash with Manchester City as Spanish giants defend a 3-0 first-leg advantage

Kylian Mbappé, France forward for Real Madrid, is set to return from injury as the Spanish giants prepare to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Also read: Kylian Mbappe suffers injury blow before Benfica clash

Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed on Monday that Mbappé has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of Madrid’s commanding 3-0 first-leg victory in Spain last week.

“Mbappé is ready to play,” Arbeloa told reporters ahead of the decisive encounter.

“I cannot wait to see him back on the pitch, to enjoy watching him play and to see him score the goals he scores. Of course he’ll be important.”

The 27-year-old forward has been in electric form this season, scoring 38 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, and his return provides a powerful attacking option as Madrid aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has also travelled with the squad as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury, although the midfielder is not expected to feature against the Premier League champions.

“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 enter the match with a significant advantage and are aiming to eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League for a third consecutive season.

Defender Antonio Rüdiger said containing City striker Erling Haaland would be crucial to the outcome of the tie.

“Players like Haaland, it’s a huge pleasure to play against this type of player,” Rüdiger 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 types of duels.”

Rüdiger also addressed recent criticism from Getafe defender Diego Rico, who accused him of committing an “assault” during a challenge earlier this month.

“In slow motion it looks terrible, but in the action itself it wasn’t like that,” Rüdiger said.

“He doesn’t need to exaggerate because if I had the intention to do that he wouldn’t have stood up. We all know I like to be tough on the pitch but I still have boundaries. I am a human being.”

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With Mbappé’s return strengthening the attack and Madrid holding a commanding first-leg lead, the Spanish club will look to deliver another decisive performance to end City’s Champions League campaign.

Quadri Olaitan