Jude Bellingham injury concern addressed ahead of El Clasico
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has suggested Jude Bellingham will be fit and available for El Clasico on Saturday after hobbling off in the dying stages of the 2-1 win over Braga in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old was once again the match winner for Madrid on Tuesday evening, doubling their advantage from the edge of the box to put the game beyond a spirited Braga.
Victory in Portugal means Madrid are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, with another point from their next three group games likely to be good enough to make the round of 16.
Bellingham’s strike was his 11th goal in all competitions for Madrid, continuing his superb start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, and he celebrated the moment with his trademark celebration. But there was concern late on in the game as Bellingham hobbled off the pitch minutes before the full-time whistle, with many onlookers already turning their attention to the weekend clash with Barcelona.
After the final whistle, Ancelotti was quizzed over the severity of Bellingham’s injury, and the Italian provided an encouraging update for those concerned that the Englishman may be missing from what many consider to be the biggest game in world football.
“He is ok. His adductors are a bit charged because the pitch was a bit soft. But nothing special. He will recover,” Ancelotti told Movistar (via Marca).
“He is ok. He is a bit tired, like everybody else. But that’s normal.”
Ancelotti’s comments suggest Bellingham’s withdrawal was nothing more than a precautionary measure, giving a huge lift for Madrid as they look to build on their strong start to the domestic season.
Bellingham has played a huge role in the club’s charge to the top of La Liga – they’ve won eight games from a possible ten and collected 25 points – but Madrid face the ultimate test against a Barcelona side who trail them by just a point and are still unbeaten.
Barca have been dealt an injury blow of their own, with Pedri unlikely to feature despite initial hope that he’d have overcome a hamstring injury, although Xavi has a number of emerging talents from the club’s academy to keep spirits raised in Catalonia.
