Champions League: Kylian Mbappe returns to Real Madrid’s squad for Manchester City, but Jude Bellingham will be absent despite the travel

Bellingham has been included in Real Madrid’s traveling squad for Tuesday’s match, but coach Alvaro Arbeloa said he will not feature against City.

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

“Mbappe is already available, so you will see him. I am excited to have him on the field, to enjoy him and his goals, but also in the match, he will be a very important player.”

Bellingham’s absence has raised doubts about his readiness for England’s friendly matches later this month against Uruguay and Japan.

Arbeloa said he was “very happy” to see Bellingham “close” to a return and admitted his presence would lift Real Madrid’s side into the match.

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

“He is a player who will be one of the leaders, and he is. It is very important to have him here with us.”

Real Madrid travels to Manchester in control of the match, having won the first leg 3-0 at the Bernabeu last Wednesday when Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick in the first half.

The margin of victory could have been greater, but City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a penalty kick taken by Vinicius Junior at the start of the second half.