Huge Real Madrid injury update on Mbappe and Bellingham ahead of Man City clash

Man City and Real Madrid are set to do battle in the Champions League this week with the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both expected to miss the first leg. Pep Guardiola’s side head to the Spanish capital looking to bring an advantage back to the Etihad Stadium.

Los Blancos have already been dealt an injury blow with Rodrygo ruled out for the remainder of the season. Mbappe and Bellingham are not expected to recover in time from their respective injuries in time for the Champions League clash on Wednesday night, but could return in time for the second leg.

Dario AS claim Mbappe’s left knee is responding to treatment, while Bellingham could return for the game at the Etihad Stadium as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

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Both players have been to see specialists for further diagnosis, with Mbappe in Paris and Bellingham in London, accompanied by Real Madrid staff.

Speaking recently about the injured duo, Arbeloa said: “Yes, I speak to him [Mbappe] every day. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing.

“It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day. All these decisions are overseen by the club’s doctors.

“Mbappe is in Paris with Real Madrid employees, Bellingham is in London with Real Madrid professionals. Everything, absolutely everything, is supervised.”

Bellingham’s latest injury setback means he’s a doubt for Thomas Tuchel’s final Three Lions’ squad before the World Cup in the United States this summer.

There’s no exact timeframe on when the midfielder might recover, but Madrid are hopeful the injury isn’t a bad one and he can return for the second leg on March 17.

As for Pep Guardiola’s side, they take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup this afternoon and will be hoping to avoid any injury scares.

City are without Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol for the trip to Madrid, while youngsters Max Alleyne and Nico O’Reilly have both picked up minor knocks in recent weeks.