Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar duo could return to face Manchester City at Etihad Stadium
In four days, Real Madrid face a huge challenge as they take on Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa & co. go into the game on the back of a late 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga, but are set to be without some very important players, including both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, due to injuries.
Mbappe, Bellingham to return for the second leg?
According to AS, Neither Mbappe nor Bellingham will be available for the first leg of the round-of-16 clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City scheduled for next Wednesday.
Instead, the club is targeting the second leg at the Etihad Stadium a week later as the most feasible moment for their return.
Both stars are expected to soon rejoin the daily training routine at the club’s training complex, under the guidance of Arbeloa.
Mbappe is recovering from a left knee injury, and the treatment he is undergoing has been producing positive results.
At one point there was some hope that the French megastar might return in time for the first leg against Manchester City, but the club has ultimately decided to respect the initial three-week recovery timeline.
Bellingham’s case is slightly different. His injury, a tear in the semitendinosus muscle of his left leg sustained against Rayo Vallecano, was initially expected to keep him sidelined until late March.
However, the response to treatment and the work he has been doing during recovery suggest that he could return earlier than anticipated.
If their recoveries continue progressing well, March 17 at the Etihad Stadium could mark the return of two of Real Madrid’s most influential players.
Second opinions
Mbappe and Bellingham are both in their homeland, France and England, respectively, where they have consulted other specialists to get a second opinion on their injuries.
Consulting external specialists is a normal practice within the club protocols. Real Madrid have prioritized ensuring that injured players receive the most accurate diagnosis and the treatment they feel most comfortable with, which sometimes involves specialists abroad.
Real Madrid News
French icon urges Real Madrid to sell struggling forward: ‘Better for him to leave’
Real Madrid began a new project under Jose Mourinho in the summer, and one of the biggest talking points at the time was whether Vinicius Junior would sign a new contract with the club.
The Brazilian’s contract negotiations had dragged on uncomfortably long, but Vinicius eventually put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the Spanish club.
However, ever since signing the new contract, Vinicius has looked woefully out of sorts and unable to reach his previous heights.
Now, former France international Marcel Desailly believes Los Blancos should have parted ways with the South American superstar.
Desailly calls for Vinicius’ departure
Speaking on beIN Sports (h/t RM4Arab), Desailly questioned whether keeping both Mbappe and Vinicius was the right approach for Madrid going forward.
“I think Real Madrid should have let Vinicius leave. They need to look for other players,” Desailly said.
He then explained why he believes Madrid should reconsider the attacking partnership.
“Once again, we are talking about the partnership between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius. This partnership has not proven successful.
“So, in my personal opinion as an analyst, I think it would be better for him to leave, and let’s see whether he would be able to erase all the negative thoughts and opinions directed towards him,” he elaborated.
His comments come in the wake of Vinicius’ red card against Villarreal, which has ruled him out of four La Liga matches.
Is Vinicius really Madrid’s biggest problem?
Desailly’s criticism touches on an important issue. Madrid have struggled to consistently maximise the qualities of Mbappe and Vinicius when both are on the pitch.
Both enjoy attacking from the left, creating situations where their movements can overlap rather than complement each other.
However, blaming Vinicius alone overlooks Madrid’s tactical difficulties. Their struggles to progress the ball through midfield are a bigger concern than their attacking shortcomings.
Selling Vinicius would not automatically fix that weakness. Madrid must first address why they have not looked to bring in a new midfielder since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Mourinho needs solutions, not another problem
There is also a strong argument that Madrid would lose something difficult to replace if they decide to sell Vinicius.
The 26-year-old is an exceptional one-v-one threat when at his best and can create chances against deep defensive blocks.
More importantly, he has scored goals in two different Champions League finals to help Madrid secure the trophy.
Desailly is right to question whether the partnership is working, but his proposed solution feels premature.
Mourinho is a masterful man-manager, and he needs to find a system that allows both his attacking superstars to coexist.
It remains to be seen whether this short break from La Liga football helps Vinicius and whether he returns re-energised and refreshed after serving his suspension.
