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Rabat – Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have both travelled with Real Madrid for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City, though it is still unclear whether either player will feature in the match.
Mbappe has been struggling with discomfort in his left knee since early December and has not played since February 21. Bellingham has been out even longer, missing games since February 1 because of a hamstring injury.
Their presence in the travelling squad does not guarantee a place in the matchday lineup. Champions League rules allow teams to name up to 12 substitutes, and Real Madrid’s staff will likely make the final decision after Monday’s training session. Mbappe appears closer to returning and could get minutes if there are no setbacks.
Madrid arrive in Manchester with a strong advantage after winning the first leg 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu last week. Federico Valverde scored a hat trick in that game, putting the Spanish side firmly in control of the tie.
Read also: Valverde Hat-Trick Stuns City as Arbeloa’s Madrid Take Control
Mbappe had been playing through his knee problem earlier in the season and continued scoring regularly before being sidelined. However, there were concerns that returning too soon might worsen the injury, which led the club to slow down his comeback.
Madrid have described the issue as a knee sprain. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa said last month that the club decided the best option was for Mbappe to rest and return only when he was fully ready.
The 27-year-old travelled to Paris earlier this month for further tests. According to people close to the player, the visit was agreed with the club and was simply meant to monitor his recovery. Surgery has not been considered.
Despite missing time, Mbappe had a strong season with Madrid, scoring 38 goals in 33 matches across all competitions.
Bellingham’s recovery has also been closely monitored. The England international visited a specialist in London to assess his hamstring injury, accompanied by members of Madrid’s medical staff.
🛬 ¡Estamos en Mánchester! pic.twitter.com/PZKz7NFrVX
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 16, 2026
He suffered the injury during Madrid’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. At first the expectation was that he would return in early March, but further examination showed the problem would require more time, with recovery estimated at six to eight weeks.
Bellingham has contributed six goals and four assists in 28 appearances this season.
Defenders David Alaba and Alvaro Carreras have also returned to the squad after missing the first leg. However, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio did not travel with the team.
Midfielder Dani Ceballos remains out with a calf injury, while Eder Militao and Rodrygo are still recovering from longer-term problems.
Madrid will look to protect their three-goal lead and secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
