Will they play against Manchester City? When Mbappé and Bellingham are expected to return to the pitch

Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are closing in on a return to training. Both players will miss the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash against Manchester City, with a realistic target set for their return at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.

According to Diario AS, it is completely ruled out that either of them will feature in the first meeting with Manchester City next Wednesday. Mbappé’s left knee is responding well to treatment, and although there was an initial hope he could be back for this match, both the medical staff and the player himself have decided to stick to the recommended three-week recovery period.

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As for Jude Bellingham, his initial return date was set for the end of March. However, based on his progress in training and the response of his previously injured left hamstring—sustained on February 1 in the match against Rayo Vallecano—it now appears the issue has been resolved. This opens up the possibility of him featuring in the away fixture against Manchester City in England.