Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe reacts during a Champions League playoff...

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe reacts during a Champions League playoff soccer match soccer match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Credit: AP/Pedro Rocha

MADRID — Kylian Mbappé is back in Real Madrid's squad for the second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League's round of 16 on Tuesday.

The France striker hasn’t played since Feb. 21 because of a knee problem. He has missed five matches in all competitions, including Madrid's 3-0 win over City in the first leg last week.

Mbappé was selected in a 26-man squad announced by Madrid on Monday. Also included was England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been sidelined since Feb. 1 because of a thigh injury.

Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa will conduct his pre-match news conference later Monday, when he might give an indication if Mbappé and Bellingham are healthy enough to start at Etihad Stadium.

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