Jude Bellingham absence explained as Real Madrid star missing from Man City clash

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Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City in the Champions League knockout rounds - but there will be some notable absences

Jude Bellingham will miss the first leg(Image: Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham absence explained as Real Madrid injury list piles up ahead of Manchester City clash

1. The absence of Jude Bellingham: The England international is officially unavailable for the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu due to a persistent hamstring injury that has hampered his recent availability. Reports indicate that while he will miss this week's clash, both he and the medical staff are optimistic about a return for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.
2. Kylian Mbappé’s injury setback: Real Madrid's attacking options are further depleted as star forward Kylian Mbappé is ruled out with a knee sprain sustained during recent domestic action. Although he has returned to light individual training, he has not yet resumed ball work, making his participation in the first leg unlikely.
3. Treatment abroad: It's understood that Bellingham has travelled to London for specialised treatment, alongside Mbappe returning to France for similar rehabilitation. This plan was confirmed by Alvaro Arbeloa, who said: "Everything related to Bellingham and Mbappe's injuries is being perfectly managed by Real Madrid's medical services and physical preparation department. They have been in London and Paris with professionals from the club's medical services. Everything is being fully supervised by Real Madrid."
4. A growing injury list for Los Blancos: Beyond the headline absences of Bellingham and Mbappé, manager Arbeloa is also grappling with the loss of Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militão, and David Alaba. These defensive and offensive woes have forced the coaching staff to rely heavily on Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde to carry the team's momentum.
5. Defensive concerns and new casualties: The club recently confirmed that young fullback Álvaro Carreras has been added to the injury list with a calf issue, further thinning a backline already missing key veterans. Ferland Mendy is expected to step into the starting lineup, though the lack of depth remains a major concern against a high-pressing City side.
6. Manchester City’s fitness boost: In stark contrast to Madrid’s woes, Pep Guardiola’s side arrives with an almost clean bill of health including the return of Erling Haaland, who was rested over the weekend. The Norwegian striker is fully fit after a minor scare, and with Rodri also likely to anchor the midfield, the Premier League champions are considered firm favourites.
7. UK TV coverage: Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the blockbuster encounter live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage beginning well before the 8pm kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the match via the discovery+ app or the TNT Sports channel on Amazon Prime Video.
8. US TV and streaming: Viewers in the United States can catch the English-language broadcast on CBS and stream every minute of the action on Paramount+. Kick-off is set for 4pm ET (1pm PT).
9. A modern European rivalry: This fixture has become a staple of the Champions League, marking the fifth consecutive season these two giants have met in the knockout stages. The historical head-to-head record is remarkably balanced, with both teams having secured five wins each alongside five draws in their previous 15 encounters.
10. Tactical shift under Arbeloa: Following the mid-season departure of Xabi Alonso, new manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces his toughest test yet in trying to outmanoeuvre Pep Guardiola with a depleted squad. The pressure is immense, as fans expect a resilient "fighting spirit" to overcome the visiting English side's technical superiority.
11. READ THE LATEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS HERE: Man City Champions League round of 16 preview - odds, prediction and route to the final