Brahim Díaz: Kylian Mbappé Ready for UEFA Champions League Clash

By Rohan Mehta / 17.03.2026

Kylian Mbappé’s return to action for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City marks a significant moment for the team. After recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him since February 21, during which he missed five matches, his presence is expected to bolster Real Madrid’s chances in the upcoming clash.

Mbappé’s absence was felt in previous games, but Álvaro Arbeloa, the team’s coach, expressed confidence in the squad’s performance even without their star player. He stated, “Will Real Madrid be more competitive without Mbappé? It seems difficult for me to believe that any team is more competitive in the absence of the best player in the world.” This highlights the high stakes as Real Madrid aims to maintain their three-goal advantage from the first leg, where they triumphed 3-0.

In addition to Mbappé, Jude Bellingham is also set to return after recovering from a thigh injury sustained earlier in February. His return, alongside Mbappé, could significantly enhance Real Madrid’s offensive capabilities. Federico Valverde, who scored a hat-trick in the first leg, has been in exceptional form, netting five goals in his last three matches.

Real Madrid has announced a 26-player squad for the second leg, which will take place on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Arbeloa has emphasized a merit-based selection process, denying the presence of any ‘sacred cows’ within the team. He remarked, “In the two months I have spent here, I have not felt the presence of any sacred cows,” indicating a focus on performance over reputation.

As the match approaches, Arbeloa will hold a press conference to discuss player readiness and strategies against Manchester City. The anticipation builds as fans and analysts speculate on how Mbappé’s return will impact the team’s dynamics and overall performance.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the squad or strategy, but the return of key players like Mbappé and Bellingham is expected to be pivotal in the outcome of the match.