Carlo Ancelotti confirms Jude Bellingham decision ahead of El Clasico
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham will start Saturday’s crunch clash with Barcelona after overcoming a knock.
The England international netted the winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Braga but picked up a knock and was forced off in the dying embers of the game, sparking obvious concerns over his involvement against Barcelona.
Bellingham himself has attempted to ease fears in the days that followed but now Ancelotti has confirmed supporters have nothing to worry about.
“Tomorrow he will play, because he is fine, recovered,” Ancelotti revealed. “They have taken away his overload.
“I don’t have to explain to him what a Clasico is, everyone knows it. It is a world game.”
Madrid head into the game one point ahead of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings, and while Saturday’s game will have an obvious impact on the table, Ancelotti rejected the suggestion it could define the title race.
“It is an important, special game,” he admitted. “It will be the first Clasico of this season, but there will be more: Super Cup, the second leg, Copa del Rey, Champions League…there are so many opportunities to cross paths again, I have the feeling that tomorrow’s will only be the first. And we arrive at the game well.
“It is very important, but the season is very long and to say that this determines the title is too much. The season is very long, very long. It will be a very competitive league: Barcelona, Atleti, Girona…there are many teams that will fight until the end.”
