Toby Wilding

Thu 20 February 2025 16:30, UK

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has spoken out about the injury suffered by Erling Haaland, after knocking Man City out of the Champions League.

Haaland picked up a knee injury against Newcastle at the weekend, meaning he did not feature in the second-leg of the knockout play-off at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night (19 February).

In his absence Man City delivered a well below-par performance that saw them beaten 3-1 on the night by a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick, and 6-3 on aggregate.

Now Bellingham has given his verdict on the 24-year-old missing that game for Pep Guardiola‘s side, and his potential spell out of the team going forward.

Jude Bellingham gives opposition view on Man City injury blow

Given Haaland‘s immense goal threat, his absence from the match will no doubt have made it easier for Madrid to secure victory in that match.

Even so, Bellingham was seemingly still keen to test himself up against the best Man City had to offer in that match, and had been aware of the situation with the striker ahead of kick-off.

Of course, having previously played alongside Haaland at Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder is also keen to see his former teammate back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Speaking in an interview on TNT Sports after the game, Bellingham was asked about the absence of Haaland from that game, and if it was seen as a boost for Real Madrid.

In response, the England international said: “It’s difficult, you know, you always want to play teams at their best and obviously I hope he’s not too bad. I saw the video and I hope the recovery goes…”

After presenter Reshmin Chowdhury then noted that the duo are good friends, Bellingham added: “Yeah he’s a good mate of mine, so I hope it’s not too bad, but you play against what you’re up against and I think we managed it well today.

“When their best players don’t play or their key players don’t play they still have other players who can step in and cause damage.”

Man City need Erling Haaland back fast

Football Insider Verdict

It will not just be Bellingham keen to see Haaland back as quick as possible, but likely everybody associated with Man City as well.

With their main striker absent, Guardiola’s side badly lacked a goal threat against Real Madrid in midweek.

After scoring a hat-trick while playing off Haaland against Newcastle, Omar Marmoush struggled to lead the line for Man City himself in the Bernabeu.

After such a disappointing campaign so far, that underlines the need for them to get their top scorer back in the near future.

There are still things for Man City to play for to salvage something from their season, and having Haaland available is clearly going to help them succeed with that.