Why isn’t Jude Bellingham playing for Real Madrid against RB Leipzig in the Champions League?

Real Madrid are set to continue their UEFA Champions League campaign with a Round of 16 knockout fixture against RB Leipzig on Tuesday 13 February (KO 3 p.m. ET/ noon PT.).

Ahead of the game, questions surrounded whether or not Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will be available for his side against their German opponents.

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The Spanish side beat LaLiga title challengers Girona 4-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu last weekend, and the 20-year-old was forced off in the second half with what appeared to be an ankle injury. He was replaced by Brahim Díaz and sat on the bench for the remainder of the game, his ankle covered with ice. He was not included in Real Madrid’s squad, released on Monday ahead of the tie.

Real Madrid release statement on Bellingham injury

Shortly after the game, once tests had been carried out, Real Madrid released a statement on their official website: “Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored.”

Bellingham missed 17 days earlier in the season with a shoulder injury that he sustained in Real Madrid’s game against Rayo Vallecano. Despite being able to finish the game, he missed out on the Champions League group stage home game against Braga, which Los Blancos ran out eventual 3-0 winners.

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When will Jude Bellingham return?

While Real Madrid were coy on when Jude Bellingham will return for the club, the issue is not thought to be very serious and the Englishman will be out for a period of 2-3 weeks. The club hope that their player will be fit for the return leg against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.

In Bellingham’s absence, Brahim Díaz has been touted as his replacement in Ancelotti’s side. The Spaniard has performed well in the playmaker role, and scored a sensational goal to open the scoring against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga, in what turned out to be a 1-1 draw between the two sides from the capital.

Real Madrid have, until now, managed to keep a 100% record in the Champions League, and finished their group stage campaign with 18 points from 18, scoring 16 and conceding 7 goals. Bellingham featured in 5 of Real Madrid’s 6 games in the competition and was key to their success, scoring 4 goals in the process as well as providing 3 assists in what was a perfect start to life in Spain.