Why isn’t Jude Bellingham playing for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League today?

Real Madrid are without several key players as they host Manchester City in the first leg of the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16. That includes attacking duo Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo, as well as midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham closing in on return: When will he be back?

England star Bellingham hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury early in the victory over Rayo Vallecano on Feb. 1.

Initially, it was believed the 22-year-old wouldn’t return to action until the end of March. However, his recovery has gone better than expected, raising the possibility he could be back in time to face City in the return leg at the Etihad next week (Tuesday, Mar. 10).

Jude Bellingham’s season so far

This season in LaLiga, Bellingham has played 18 times out of a possible 27. He missed the first four games of the season due to a shoulder injury before being ruled out for the last five games with the aforementioned muscle issue.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has scored four goals and recorded three assists in the domestic league campaign so far. He has also played seven times in the Champions League, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Madrid missing several stars

As well as Bellingham, Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will also be unable to call upon Mbappé, Rodrygo, Eder Militão, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba and Álvaro Carreras.

There is hope that, like Bellingham, Mbappé will be fit to make his return to action when Los Blancos travel to Manchester for the second leg of the round of 16 tie next Tuesday.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City live on AS USA

Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET. You can follow the game on our AS USA live feed.

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