Fakayejo Paul
Real Madrid has received a massive triple boost ahead of their crucial Champions League trip to Manchester.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa has officially included Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Álvaro Carreras in the squad traveling for the Round of 16 second leg against Manchester City this Tuesday.
The return of these three stars couldn’t come at a better time, though Madrid is already in a commanding position.
Despite missing the spine of their team in the first leg, Los Blancos pulled off a stunning 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to a masterclass hat-trick from Federico Valverde.
Having Mbappé and Bellingham back in the fold adds a terrifying level of firepower as they look to finish the job at the Etihad.
Mbappé and Bellingham have both been sidelined recently with hamstring and knee issues, missing the first leg and the weekend league win over Elche.
Their inclusion suggests they have passed late fitness tests and are ready to feature in what has become a modern European classic.
Álvaro Carreras also returns to provide much-needed depth at left-back after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of the first leg.
While Real Madrid holds a significant lead, they are taking no chances against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The squad is still missing Rodrygo, who is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Éder Militão, who remains a doubt.
However, with the “big guns” back on the plane to Manchester, the 15-time champions look more than ready to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Manchester City will need a miracle to overturn the three-goal deficit, but with both teams nearing full strength, Tuesday night promises to be an absolute blockbuster.