.jpg)
1 hour ago
4
After advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals with a statement two-legged victory over Manchester City, Real Madrid turn their attention back to the heated La Liga title chase as they meet derby rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side won both home and road against their Premier League opposition in European play, readying for a quarterfinal matchup against Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappe returned to the field off the bench in the win over Man City after a number of weeks sidelined by a knee injury, and he is ready to crack on down the stretch run of the campaign.
Domestically, Los Blancos sit four points back of Barcelona in the La Liga standings, with no more room for error as they chase their Clasico rivals.
That brings Real Madrid to another kind of rivalry matchup, a meeting with cross-town side Atleti who sit a distant third in the standings but have been a constant thorn in the side of their capital opponents.
The Sporting News brings you the rest of Real Madrid's injury list, as well as a look at their latest team news and a preview of how they could line up in their next game.
MORE: Why Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid gave up after just seven months together
Real Madrid injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Real Madrid, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Ferland Mendy
- Injury: Hamstring
- Expected return date: March 22 (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Mendy started the first leg win over Manchester City but was later diagnosed with an injury in the biceps femoris of his right leg. This weekend's derby against Atletico Madrid might be his most realistic target. It doesn't help that Fran Garcia has been strong at left-back in Mendy's absence.
Jude Bellingham
- Injury: Hamstring
- Expected return date: March 22 (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Jude Bellingham made the trip to Manchester for the second leg against City, but was not included in the matchday squad. It's likely he will be back on the pitch against Atletico Madrid on the weekend, but probably needs some ramp-up before he is a viable starting option. They could also decide to hold him back until after the international break.
Eder Militao
- Injury: Hamstring
- Expected return date: April 5 (vs. Mallorca)
Militao, who had been fantastic since returning from his lengthy absences for multiple ACL tears, has been sideliend since suffering a hamstring injury in the defeat to Celta Vigo last December. Madrid are understandably being careful over his return, and although he returned to partial training beginning March 13, he will probably be held back until after the international break.
Dani Ceballos
- Injury: Calf
- Expected return date: April 22 (vs. Alaves)
Midfielder Ceballos is estimated to be facing two months out with a calf injury sustained in the loss to Osasuna at El Sadar on February 21. Madrid's league game with Alaves on April 22 would seem a realistic return date unless Ceballos' recovery progresses more quickly.
Rodrygo
- Injury: ACL
- Expected return date: September
Rodrygo has suffered a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus in his right leg. This significant setback means the Brazil forward will miss the 2026 World Cup and he is likely to be sidelined for at least six months, possibly longer.
Franco Mastantuono
- Injury: Pubalgia
- Expected return date: —
In late 2025, teenage midfielder Mastantuono was struck down by the same ailment that has hindered Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Similar to what is known as a "sports hernia," the injury is one that has to be managed.
While Mastantuono is back to game fitness for Real Madrid, it is still notable to include him on the injury list as it could flare up at any time, and his minutes will likely need to be watched much more carefully than they had been at the start of the season after newly joining the team. He will miss the Celta game through suspension after he was sent off against Getafe.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Atletico Madrid
Formation: 4-4-2
Courtois (GK)
Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia
Valverde, Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Vinicius
B. Diaz, Guler
Real Madrid fixture schedule: Upcoming games
- Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid | La Liga | Sunday, March 22
- Mallorca vs. Real Madrid | La Liga | Sunday, April 5
- Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich | Champions League quarterfinals, first leg | Tuesday, April 7
- Real Madrid vs. Girona | La Liga | Sunday, April 12
- Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid | Champions League quarterfinals, second leg | Wednesday, April 15
- Real Madrid vs. Alaves | La Liga | Wednesday, April 22
English (US)