Real Madrid are working on a plan to bring back their stars Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham for the crucial showdown against Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The Spanish giants will host the first leg at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next Wednesday, before traveling to Etihad Stadium for the return leg on March 17.
Mbappé is currently recovering from a knee sprain that has kept him out since Real Madrid’s match against Osasuna on February 21.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, it is unlikely the French forward will feature in the first leg against Manchester City, although his recovery is progressing positively.
The injury has troubled Mbappé intermittently since December 2025 and has affected his performances.
Real Madrid’s medical team has recommended that the striker complete a rest period of at least three weeks to fully recover from the knee discomfort, which has persisted for nearly three months.
The club is relying on the expertise of French specialist doctor Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, known for handling similar cases.
Meanwhile, Bellingham’s recovery from a hamstring injury in his left leg is progressing faster than expected.
While his initial return date was set for the end of March, the midfielder’s positive response to treatment could allow him to return earlier.
As a result, Bellingham could potentially be available for the second leg against Manchester City on March 17 at the Etihad Stadium.
With Real Madrid already out of the Copa del Rey and trailing Barcelona by one point in La Liga, the Champions League now appears to be the club’s most realistic target this season.
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