"Real Madrid" head coach Alvaro Arbeloa says Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are back in the squad for the Champions League trip to face "Manchester City". The Spanish side travels to the Etihad Stadium holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg and hoping to finish the job away from home. Reports Goal.com.
Mbappe has returned to training after recovering from a sprain in his left knee, while Bellingham is back after a hamstring problem in his left leg. Arbeloa said Mbappe is available, and Bellingham is also close to full readiness, giving the coach more options before one of the biggest matches of the season.
Arbeloa said competition for places will remain strict despite the return of star names. He made it clear that no player is guaranteed a starting role, adding that regular minutes must be earned. The coach also praised younger players and said he will pick the eleven best suited for each match.
The "Real Madrid" boss also pointed to the challenge of stopping Erling Haaland after keeping him quiet in the first leg. He praised Federico Valverde, who scored a hat-trick in that match, and said the midfielder will continue to enjoy freedom in his role even with Mbappe and Bellingham back in the group.
Arbeloa also brushed aside questions about pressure and his future. He said his only focus is the next match and insisted he is working with a long-term mindset as "Real Madrid" enters a decisive stage of the campaign.
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