Real Madrid will be boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe for their decisive Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City but Jude Bellingham will play no part despite travelling with the squad.
Real Madrid have received a significant lift ahead of their Champions League round-of-16 second-leg clash with Manchester City on Tuesday, with both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham included in the squad traveling to England.
Real Madrid were left concerned despite a dramatic 2-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano after Jude Bellingham was forced off injured just ten minutes into the match, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa admitting the midfielder's absence is a major blow.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed Jude Bellingham as a "leader" and a "cornerstone" for the club's future, praising the midfielder's commitment, talent, and influence on and off the pitch.
Jude Bellingham has moved quickly to defend and back Vinicius Junior, insisting the Real Madrid forward remained decisive despite a long wait for a goal ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid in Jeddah tonight.
Former Real Madrid striker Joselu has suggested that Jude Bellingham's recent dip in goalscoring output is a direct consequence of the club's structural issues in attack.