Real Madrid’s French forward #09 Kylian Mbappe applauds the fans following the UEFA Champions League Quarter final first leg football match between Arsenal and Real Madrid, at the Emirates Stadium, in London, on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have been included in the Real Madrid squad travelling to England for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second-leg clash against Manchester City.
Both players had missed recent matches through injury, so their return to the squad will come as good news for Madrid ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
Mbappe had been dealing with a knee problem that kept him out for a short spell, while Bellingham also spent some time on the sidelines with a thigh issue. It is still not certain if either of them will start on Tuesday, but both travelled with the team.
According to ESPN, the pair were part of the squad confirmed by Madrid before the team left for Manchester.
Their return gives Madrid another option as the Spanish side prepare for the decisive leg of the tie. The team has still managed some solid performances in recent games even without the two stars.
Tuesday’s second leg now looks even more interesting with Mbappe and Bellingham back in the group, as Madrid try to see the tie through while City hope to make their home ground count.
