Rabat – Real Madrid face a major setback ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City, as Jude Bellingham is unlikely to feature in the first leg.
The 22‑year‑old midfielder is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in early February against Rayo Vallecano.
Club sources say Madrid hope he could return for the second leg on March 17, but the derby against Atletico five days later is seen as a more realistic target.
Bellingham has been in London consulting a specialist, accompanied by Madrid’s medical staff, as he seeks a second opinion on the injury.
Kylian Mbappe is also expected to miss the first leg. The French forward has been dealing with knee pain since December and recently visited Paris for further tests.
Madrid are cautious about rushing him back, fearing the problem could worsen if he plays too soon. His camp has ruled out surgery for now, describing the issue as a sprain, but the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Both players are expected back in Spain over the weekend, but their availability before the international break is unclear. Madrid’s only fixture after the City tie and before the break is the derby against Atletico on March 22.
Bellingham has not played since February 1, with sources suggesting his injury is more complicated than initially reported. His recovery was extended to six to eight weeks, making an early March return unlikely.
Mbappe, meanwhile, continues to undergo additional testing to monitor progress.
The uncertainty also affects their national teams. England coach Thomas Tuchel will announce his squad on March 20 for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan later in the month.
He previously said Bellingham was “pushing” to be involved, though his fitness remains in doubt. France face Brazil and Colombia in friendlies on March 26 and 29, but Mbappe’s participation is also uncertain.
This season, Bellingham has made 28 appearances for Madrid, scoring six goals and providing four assists. Mbappe has played 33 times, with an impressive 38 goals and six assists.
Their absence would be a huge blow for Madrid as they prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of their campaign.