Champions League: Kylian Mbappe returns to Real Madrid squad for Man City but Jude Bellingham will sit out despite travelling

Bellingham was included in Real’s traveling party for Tuesday’s match, but boss Alvaro Arbeloa said he would not play against City.

“Bellingham wanted to come with his teammates to be with the team. He will continue to train and be part of the training, but he will not be available tomorrow,” Arbeola said in a press conference.

“Mbappé is already available, so you will see him. I am looking forward to having him on the field, enjoying him and his goals, but also in the game, he will be a very important player.”

Bellingham’s absence had raised doubts over his availability for England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan later this month.

Arbeloa said he was “very happy” to see Bellingham “close” to a return and acknowledged that his presence would lift Real’s squad for the game.

“It will be very important for his teammates to see him training today and tomorrow before, at half-time or after the match,” he said.

“He’s a player who will be one of the leaders, and he already is. It’s very important that he’s here with us.”

Real traveled to Manchester looking to take control of the tie, having won the first leg 3-0 at the Bernabeu last Wednesday when Federico Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick.

The margin of victory could have been greater, but City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Vinicius Junior’s penalty early in the second half.



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