Need to know
Real Madrid will be without England star Jude Bellingham for their Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Manchester City
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF gets injured on the ground during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 01, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Jude Bellingham is out injured for the City clash(Image: Diego Souto, Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham's absence: The 22-year-old is officially ruled out for the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu due to a lingering hamstring injury that has affected his recent availability. Reports suggest that while he will miss this week's match, both he and the medical team are hopeful of a return for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.
Kylian Mbappé's injury blow: Real Madrid's attacking options are further diminished as star striker Kylian Mbappé is sidelined with a knee sprain incurred during recent domestic action. Although he has returned to light individual training, he has not yet resumed ball work, making his involvement in the first leg doubtful.
Treatment overseas: It's understood that Bellingham has travelled to London for specialised treatment, while Mbappe has returned to France for similar rehabilitation. This plan was confirmed by Alvaro Arbeloa, who said: "Everything related to Bellingham and Mbappe's injuries is being perfectly managed by Real Madrid's medical services and physical preparation department. They have been in London and Paris with professionals from the club's medical services. Everything is being fully supervised by Real Madrid."
Mounting injury crisis for Los Blancos: Beyond the headline absences of Bellingham and Mbappé, manager Arbeloa is also contending with the loss of Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militão, and David Alaba. These defensive and attacking problems have compelled the coaching staff to depend heavily on Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde to maintain the team's momentum.
Defensive worries and fresh casualties: The club recently confirmed that young fullback Álvaro Carreras has been added to the injury list with a calf problem, further depleting a backline already without key veterans. Ferland Mendy is anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, though the shortage of depth remains a significant worry against a high-pressing City outfit.
Manchester City's fitness advantage: In sharp contrast to Madrid's troubles, Pep Guardiola's side arrives with an almost fully fit squad including the return of Erling Haaland, who was rested over the weekend. The Norwegian striker is completely fit following a minor scare, and with Rodri also expected to anchor the midfield, the Premier League champions are regarded as strong favourites.
UK TV coverage: Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the blockbuster encounter live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with programming commencing well before the 8pm kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the match through the discovery+ app or the TNT Sports channel on Amazon Prime Video.
US TV and streaming: Viewers in the United States can watch the English-language broadcast on CBS and stream every moment of the action on Paramount+. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm ET (1pm PT).
Modern European foes: This fixture has emerged as a Champions League regular, representing the fifth successive season these two powerhouses have clashed in the knockout stages. The historical head-to-head record is remarkably even, with both sides having claimed five victories each alongside five draws in their previous 15 meetings.
Tactical shift under Arbeloa: Following the mid-season exit of Xabi Alonso, new boss Alvaro Arbeloa confronts his sternest challenge yet in attempting to outwit Pep Guardiola with a weakened squad. The pressure is enormous, as supporters anticipate a determined "fighting spirit" to overcome the visiting English side's technical prowess.
Watch Real Madrid vs Man City on TNT Sports
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