Bellingham out for three weeks due to "high grade" sprained ankle
Real Madrid's English midfielder Jude Bellingham has suffered "a high-grade sprain to his left ankle", according to a medical statement issued by the club following tests carried out on Sunday morning, and is expected to be out for three weeks, with up to four matches to be missed.
"Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services, our player Jude Bellingham has been diagnosed with a high-grade sprain in his left ankle. Pending evolution," the medical statement said.
Bellingham adds to the absence of Antonio Rudiger for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie in Germany against RB Leipzig, in which Carlo Ancelotti already has up to five confirmed absentees along with Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba due to serious knee injuries.
The England midfielder damaged his left ankle against Girona, spraining it in two actions of the game, and had to leave the game in the 57th minute after scoring a brace to move him clear as the top scorer in La Liga with 16 goals.
"Bellingham has a sprain. Hopefully he can be here on Tuesday," said Carlo Ancelotti after the game. Unfortunately, his wish will not come true.
Despite being a high-grade sprain, as confirmed by tests carried out at Real Madrid City on Sunday, sources at the club say the estimated time out is three weeks and the target is Jude's presence in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 on 6 March.
If he does not recover before then, Bellingham will miss the first leg of the European tie and the La Liga games against Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla and Valencia.
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