When Could Bellingham and Mbappé Reappear?

Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid is preparing for a scenario without Jude Bellingham for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City. Kylian Mbappé is also not expected to be available for the first leg, and his presence in the second leg remains uncertain.

126

Bellingham
9.180.000€+110.000€    9

J1

MD

34

260

Mbappé
21.980.000€    8

J1

DL

423

The club trusts that Bellingham, 22 years old, could be ready for the return match on Tuesday, March 17, although internally they consider the Madrid derby five days later to be a more realistic date. In the case of Mbappé, sources consulted indicate that he would not play the first leg in Madrid and he is also doubtful for the match in Manchester.

In recent days, both players have sought new medical evaluations outside Spain. Bellingham traveled to London to consult a specialist for his hamstring tendon injury, while Mbappé went to Paris for a second opinion on his left knee sprain. The visits were made alongside members of the club’s medical department, and both are expected to return to the Spanish capital over the weekend.

Bellingham’s situation dates back to the start of the 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano on February 1, when he was injured in the early stages of the game. According to sources familiar with the case, the problem is more complicated than initially reported, and even then a return in early March seemed unlikely, with a revised recovery timeframe of six to eight weeks. Additionally, this week he requested a second opinion in the English capital, accompanied by the club’s chief medical officer.

The Immediate Schedule and the Question Mark over Mbappé

Within the Real Madrid environment, there is no definitive timeline known for the return of the two players. In Mbappé’s case, the knee pain he has been dealing with since December has raised concerns about a potential worsening if he returns too soon.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Mbappé does not expect to require surgery for his knee problem, according to a statement from his team. The club has described the injury as a sprain, and the player’s camp indicated that "additional tests are being conducted to assess the progress of his knee injury" in Paris.

After the second leg against City, Real Madrid’s only other match before the international break is the derby against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, March 22. The uncertainty over their return dates leaves open whether Bellingham and Mbappé will be able to play before the next international window, which is the last national team call-up before the World Cup.