MADRID (AP) 鈥� Kylian Mbapp茅 returned to Real Madrid’s squad for the second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday.
鈥淗e is ready to play,鈥� Madrid coach 脕lvaro Arbeloa said at a news conference in Manchester on Monday evening, when asked about Mbapp茅’s availability, 鈥渟o tomorrow you will see.鈥�
The France striker hasn鈥檛 played since Feb. 21 because of a knee problem. He has missed five matches in all competitions, including the in the first leg last week.
Also named in Madrid’s 26-man group that travelled to Manchester was England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been sidelined since Feb. 1 because of a thigh injury.
However, Arbeloa indicated Bellingham wasn’t ready to feature at Etihad Stadium, even if he will take part in training.
鈥淚鈥檓 very happy to see him getting closer to the team,鈥� Arbeloa said through a translator, 鈥渁nd I think it鈥檚 going to be important his teammates have him around in training and tomorrow before the game and during the team talk at halftime.”
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