RB Leipzig Manager Takes Purported Bellingham Absence With A Pinch Of Salt

Bellingham limped off after scoring two goals for Los Blancos against Girona in La Liga on Saturday.

The England international was diagnosed with a high-grade left ankle sprain which Real Madrid say will be monitored, casting his availability for the round of 16 first leg in Germany in doubt.

But Rose says he will be preparing his team with the intention of coming face-to-face with the in-form midfielder.

"I don't believe he'll be out until he's not in the stadium tomorrow," Rose told a press conference on Monday.

"I know Jude, he will do everything to play the Champions League game. He might see other doctors today in order to be fit. I've read a lot but we'll see if he's here or not."

Bellingham has scored 20 goals in 29 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions so far this season.

Rose coached the 20-year-old for a season at Borussia Dortmund, and admits even he has been surprised by Bellingham's rapid rise at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I think he's at the right club and he made the right move. It doesn't surprise me that he made such an impact," Rose said.

"But the fact that he scores so many goals came as a bit of a surprise. I had him for a year, he's a great guy and a great footballer with an unbelievable mentality.

"If he doesn't play, Brahim Diaz would certainly be an option. Maybe they will play in a 4-3-3 system with Joselu up front."