Kylian Mbappe is poised to make his return from injury as Real Madrid prepares to face Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday. Mbappe has been sidelined recently due to a knee injury, which kept him out of Real's emphatic 3-0 victory over City in the first leg of their matchup last week. His scoring prowess, having netted 38 goals in just 33 appearances this season, is seen as vital for Real Madrid's chances to progress in the competition.

Real Madrid's head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, expressed his eagerness to have Mbappe back on the pitch, acknowledging the significant role he plays in the team's success. Arbeloa's comments highlight the forward's importance not only in terms of goal scoring but also in boosting the team’s morale and attacking capabilities against a formidable opponent like Manchester City. The anticipation surrounding Mbappe's performance suggests that his return could greatly influence the outcome of this crucial match.

Additionally, England midfielder Jude Bellingham has traveled with the squad as he works on his recovery from a hamstring injury. While he is not expected to play against City, Arbeloa noted that having Bellingham present is beneficial for team dynamics, providing a leadership presence during team talks and halftime discussions. This adds to the narrative of Real Madrid's resilience as they look to secure a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, needing a strong performance in what promises to be a challenging encounter against a rival team.