Real Madrid midfield duo has ‘remote chance’ of returning for derby vs Atletico – report | OneFootball

Just when it seemed like Real Madrid’s infirmary was getting empty, the Merengues have been dealt with a number of new concerns on the injury front.

Jude Bellingham has been out of action for a few weeks now, while Dean Huijsen has also been sidelined. Last week saw Dani Ceballos suffer an injury against Osasuna, with Kylian Mbappe also joining the list earlier this week.

Reports suggest that Huijsen could return against Celta Vigo next week, while Mbappe could be back a few days after that – in time for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie.

What about Bellingham and Ceballos?

Now, according to COPE, the midfield duo of Bellingham and Ceballos will be sidelined for much longer.

As things stand, they have a very ‘remote chance’ of returning in time for the derby against Atletico Madrid, scheduled to be played on 22 March at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bellingham and Ceballos are currently injured. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

However, it is not entirely ruled out that Real Madrid might take a more cautious approach with the midfield pair and delay their return until after the international break in March.

The idea is to ensure their full recovery without risking any chance of relapse, and as such, the Merengues might opt to give them extra time rather than bringing them early in time for the derby.

The international break will run from 23 March to 31 March, meaning both Bellingham and Ceballos might return only in April, if the club opt to not bring them back in time for the derby against Los Rojiblancos.

Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has found a working midfield combination in recent weeks with Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga.

Moreover, he has not been shy of giving youngsters like Jorge Cestero and Thiago Pitarch chances either. So, it will not come as a surprise to see Real Madrid play it safe with the returns of Bellingham and Ceballos.