Mbappe set to lead Real Madrid attack against Man City

French superstar Kylian Mbappe is set to spearhead Real Madrid‘s attack against Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

Real Madrid travel to Manchester firmly in control of the tie after a 3–0 victory in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium last week, when Federico Valverde scored a stunning first-half hat-trick.

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The 27-year-old has fully recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection, but England midfielder Jude Bellingham will not feature despite travelling with the squad.

Mbappe had been sidelined since Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Osasuna on February 21 after being diagnosed with a left knee sprain at the start of March.

Bellingham, meanwhile, suffered a hamstring injury less than 10 minutes into a league match against Rayo Vallecano on February 1 and left the pitch in tears.

The 22-year-old was initially expected to miss around four weeks, but the injury proved more serious than first thought.

Although Bellingham travelled with the squad to Manchester, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed he will not take part in Tuesday’s match.

“Bellingham wanted to come with his teammates to be with the team. He will continue and do part of the training, but he won’t be available tomorrow,” Arbeloa said at a press conference.

“Mbappe is already available, so you will see him. I am eager to have him on the field, to enjoy his goals and his contribution to the game. He will be a very important player.”