Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are both close to returning to daily work at Valdebebas and rejoining the squad led by Álvaro Arbeloa. However, neither player will be ready for the first game against Manchester City, with the realistic target now set for the return leg at the Etihad on March 17.
The focus for both players is a careful recovery plan rather than rushing their comeback. The French forward and the England international each sought a diagnosis and rehabilitation plan outside Spain – something several Real Madrid players have done in recent years. It may draw attention given their status as two of the team’s leading figures, but it has become a fairly routine approach within the club’s recovery process at Valdebebas.
For some time now, Real Madrid’s philosophy has been clear: players should pursue the diagnosis and rehabilitation path they feel most comfortable with. Despite the attention surrounding the trips made by Mbappé and Bellingham, the club views it as standard practice.
Mbappé and Bellingham out for City part 1
What has now been completely ruled out is the possibility of either player featuring in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 next Wednesday against Manchester City. Mbappé’s left knee is responding well to treatment, and although there was briefly hope he might return for that game, the current thinking is to stick with the originally recommended three-week recovery period.
The shared objective among club officials, coaches and Mbappé himself is to eliminate the discomfort that first appeared in early December and has continued to limit him. Confidence remains high in French physician Bertrand Sonnery-Cotte, whose track record with elite athletes supports the decision.
As for the England international, the initial timeline pointed toward a return at the end of March. Yet the progress of his rehabilitation – and the response of the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg – now raises the possibility that the injury he suffered against Rayo Vallecano on February 1 could be behind him in time for a comeback in England against Manchester City.
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