RB Leipzig drew a difficult draw with Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League. But the “Royal” are plagued by injury concerns.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will be without Jude Bellingham, who has an ankle injury, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The 20-year-old midfielder is not in the squad for Tuesday’s duel at RB Leipzig (9 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online), as the club announced on Sunday. National player Antonio Rüdiger (muscle injury in his left thigh) is also missing from the Real squad for the Leipzig game.
Ex-Dortmunder Bellingham was substituted injured on Saturday in the 4-0 (1-0) win against surprise team FC Girona in the Primera División. An examination on Sunday confirmed the initial diagnosis of a sprained ankle. Real did not provide any information about how long Bellingham, who scored two goals against Girona, was out of action.
Ancelotti raves about Bellingham
Bellingham has had a strong season since moving from BVB to Spain in the summer. “The way he plays reminds me of Zidane because of his exceptional qualities on the ball,” said Ancelotti about Bellingham, referring to former Real professional and coach Zinédine Zidane. “Zidane may have been technically better, but Bellingham combines that with the way he goes into the penalty area. There are few players in the world who can make a move like he did before the first goal.”
Before the first leg of the round of 16 in the premier class in Leipzig, the Spanish record champions continue to have major injury concerns. Against Girona, the Royals were missing four central defenders. National player Rüdiger has to take a longer break; according to Spanish media, he should return at the end of February.
“He took a hit against Getafe,” explained Ancelotti. “This resulted in a bruise that caused some sort of tear.” The 30-year-old tried it, but had problems changing direction.