Real Madrid are in a full-blown injury crisis, and they could not have had the blow at a worse point in time.
While Los Blancos’ issues with injuries have been ongoing for a long time now, they will surely now affect the team’s games against Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
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The two biggest blows are Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, both of whom are ruled out of the first leg definitively and were said to be on the edge for the second leg.
New deadline for the Englishman
Now, as relayed by Rodra in a recent report, Real Madrid have set a new deadline for the return of the midfield star based on his recovery status and expected return to fitness.
That date, as it stands, is the 22nd of March and Los Blancos hope he can make his return from injury on the important night when Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid in the second league derby.
Bellingham to return for the derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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In a way, it is a massive boost for the club to have the player back later this month and just four games down the line.
However, it also means that he is not expected to make it back in time for the second leg against Manchester City in the Etihad Stadium – a game that may decide Real Madrid’s fate in the competition.
So far this season, Bellingham has made 18 league and seven UCL appearances for Real Madrid this season and has six goals and four assists to show.
There is, however, a strong sentiment that he is far from his best and that the manager is yet to find his ideal spot in the lineup.