Real Madrid hit by Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham fitness blow ahead of Manchester City showdown | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham could both miss the entirety of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City, according to reports.

The Spanish giants are currently navigating an availability crisis under manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Following a shock 0-1 home defeat to Getafe and a long-term ACL injury to Rodrygo, the fitness of two primary Galacticos has become a focal point.

While Los Blancos have attempted to manage both players with conservative treatment to avoid pre-World Cup surgeries and retain hope of success this season, the race against time for the Bernabéu first leg against Manchester City on March 11 appears to be a losing one.

For City, the latest update offers a potential advantage as Pep Guardiola prepares his side for another heavyweight clash with Real Madrid, despite their cross-competition ambitions and strains surrounding fatigue and recovery.

Injury recovery updates for Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe

According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai, Jude Bellingham will miss the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury.

Los Blancos are said to be hoping that Bellingham will be ready for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday 17 March, but see the Madrid derby against Atletico five days later as a ‘more realistic date’.

As for France international superstar Kylian Mbappe, the striker is also not expected to play in the first leg against Manchester City, and is currently a doubt for the game in England.

Mbappe’s knee sprain – which has reportedly caused discomfort since December – has forced the forward to seek specialist advice in France. And while Arbeloa has publicly remained optimistic, the reality of a 90 per cent fit Mbappe being risked against a City defence bolstered by Marc Guehi in particular remains a major point of contention.

How could Alvaro Arbeloa adapt?

With both superstars sidelined for the opening 90 minutes in Spain, Real Madrid may be forced into a radical tactical shift, perhaps deploying Vinícius Júnior in a more central role, supported by the creativity of Arda Güler.

The second leg on March 17 looms as the definitive date for this season’s Champions League ambitions, and should neither player make the trip to Manchester, City could be tipped as the overwhelming favourites to progress.

Why City fans will stay wary of the news

Among the Manchester City faithful, news of a Real Madrid injury ‘crisis’ is often met with a raised eyebrow and a reminder of past late recoveries under European lights.

While the latest information is as reliable as it gets, there is always a lingering fear that this is the ultimate psychological play from within the Bernabeu, and until team sheets drop, the consensus is to prepare for the best version of Real Madrid, regardless of medical reports.