Jude Bellingham is expected to be sidelined until early March after suffering a sprained ankle during Real Madrid’s La Liga victory over Girona.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored twice in Saturday’s 4-0 win but was forced off after 57 minutes at the Bernabeu.

He underwent tests by medical staff on Sunday and has been diagnosed with a sprain to his left ankle. He is expected to be available once more for Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig on March 6.

Bellingham’s injury means he is expected to miss the first leg of their Champions League last-16 fixture against Leipzig on Tuesday, in addition to La Liga fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla and Valencia.

The England international went down and received treatment on the pitch after appearing to roll his ankle in a challenge during Saturday’s La Liga fixture. He then attempted to play on and returned to his feet to score his side’s third goal, before going down again shortly after and being accompanied off the field by medical staff.

Speaking at full-time, Carlo Ancelotti was hopeful Bellingham would be fit to return for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash with Leipzig.

“Bellingham has had a sprained ankle, we will assess him tomorrow (Sunday) and hopefully he will be available on Tuesday,” Ancelotti said.

Bellingham’s two goals during Saturday’s win took him to 20 in 29 appearances in all competitions for Madrid following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

His absence to Madrid’s injury concerns; Antonio Rudiger has missed his side’s last two due to a muscular injury and is set to be sidelined for two weeks. This left defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and full-back Dani Carvajal to deputise at centre-back against Girona, with Eder Militao and David Alaba also long-term absentees.

Madrid are expected to welcome back defender Nacho for Tuesday’s Champions League clash after he missed the victory over Girona with a muscle injury.

Madrid’s win over second place Girona saw Ancelotti’s side extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.

GO DEEPER

Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, Rodrygo: Real Madrid’s front line is something special

(Angel Martinez/Getty Images)