Why isn’t Jude Bellingham playing for Real Madrid vs Benfica in the Champions League today?

Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham for the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff tie against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday, February 17.

What injury does Bellingham have? When will he be back?

The England star suffered a hamstring injury early in the victory over Rayo Vallecano on Feb. 1 and is expected to remain sidelined for several more weeks.

Bellingham faces a “race against time” to be ready for England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at the end of March, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. Madrid hope to have the midfielder back sooner, possibly for the trip to Celta Vigo on March 7 or the potential Champions League round of 16 first leg on March 10 or 11. It remains unclear if that will be possible.

Midfield trio stepping up in Bellingham’s absence

Like predecessor Xabi Alonso, current Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has yet to settle on a system that maximizes Bellingham while keeping the team balanced.

Madrid have impressed in victories over Valencia and Real Sociedad without Bellingham. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga have formed a coherent midfield trio in both games, a setup likely to continue against Benfica.

Bellingham’s eventual return will give Arbeloa more options, but something of a selection dilemma, as he looks to integrate one of his most talented players into the starting lineup.

Bellingham’s influence on Real Madrid results

Since the start of the season, Real Madrid have won all six LaLiga games played without Bellingham, with an aggregate score of 14-3. The Englishman has featured in six of Madrid’s seven defeats in all competitions, playing the full 90 minutes in five of them.

Madrid team news vs Benfica: Mbappé, Rodrygo...

Kylian Mbappé is expected to start against Benfica despite a knee issue. Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio are both suspended, while Éder Militão remains out long term with a hamstring injury.

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