Mbappe poised for Real Madrid comeback versus Manchester City

Kylian Mbappe is prepared to make his return from injury while Real Madrid look to knock out Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday.

Mbappe sat out Real's 3-0 triumph over City in the opening match in Madrid last week because of a knee issue.

However, the French striker, who has netted 38 goals across 33 outings this campaign, is anticipated to take part at the Etihad Stadium.

"Mbappe is ready to play," Real manager Alvaro Arbeloa stated to journalists on Monday.

"I cannot wait to see him back on the pitch, to enjoy watching him play, to score the goals he scores. Of course he'll be important."

English midfielder Jude Bellingham has joined the Real team on their trip as he progresses in his recovery from a hamstring injury, though he is not yet fit to appear against City.

"Bellingham wanted to come with his team-mates," Arbeloa mentioned.

"I'm very happy to see him getting closer to the team. It is important to be around his team-mates, during the team-talk and at half-time he'll be one of the leaders as he always is."

Real are tipped to eliminate City from the Champions League for the third year running following their commanding lead from the first encounter.

Real defender Antonio Rudiger feels that the path to success lies in preventing City forward Erling Haaland from regaining his peak performance after a string of subpar showings recently.

"Players like Haaland, it's a huge pleasure to play against this type of player," Rudiger commented.

"I like the physical battle, I want it and need it, the same as him. I'm looking forward to it.

"He's a world-class striker, very strong, and I like these type of duels."

Rudiger addressed his aggressive style while responding to recent accusations from Getafe defender Diego Rico regarding his behaviour.

Rico claimed Rudiger carried out an "assault" on him during a tackle earlier this month.

"In slow motion it looks terrible but in the action itself and also what the player said, it was like I almost killed him," Rudiger explained.

"He doesn't need to exaggerate because if I'd had the intention to do that he wouldn't have stood up.

"I don't justify it but the way he spoke after the game was like I killed him, but he was running afterwards.

"We all know I like to be tough on the pitch but I still have boundaries. I am a human being."