Jude Bellingham trained with Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League last-16 second-leg against Manchester City - but he will not be available for Tuesday’s match.
The England international has not appeared for Los Blancos since coming off injured just nine minutes into a defeat of Rayo Vallecano on February 1, when he appeared to injure his left hamstring, pulling up as he chased a loose ball.
Now, having missed nine matches in all competitions, he is set to make his return to the side as Real look to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed the player will not be available, though, and simply wanted to accompany his team-mates to his home nation.
“Bellingham was the one who wanted to travel with the group, but he won’t be available tomorrow,” Arbeloa explained in his pre-match media duties.
“I’m happy to see him getting closer to returning – he’s going to be one of the leaders and it’s important that he’s here with us.”
He did, however, confirm that Kylian Mbappe is fit to feature having recovered from a knee injury.
The talismanic French striker was ruled out of the first-leg against City after aggravating a pre-existing injury in training.
It was initially feared he could be set for a lengthy spell out, but in a boost to France’s World Cup hopes, he back fit after just over three weeks after his most recent appearance.
Both he and Bellingham will be optimistic of a call-up as France and England prepare to announce their squads for the March international break this week.
