Jude Bellingham bounces back ready for Granada clash
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham is available for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Granada after concerns over his fitness.
The England international has been in outstanding form for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, finding the back of the net on 15 occasions in 16 appearances, in addition to registering four assists.
Bellingham was recently absent for Real Madrid due to a shoulder problem, which also saw him miss out on England’s matches during the November international break.
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The 20-year-old has scored in his last two appearances against Cadiz and Napoli after recovering from the shoulder issue, but he emerged as a doubt for the game with Granada when it was revealed that he was unable to complete Friday’s training session with Real Madrid.
During his press conference, Ancelotti said that Bellingham was suffering with “some discomfort in his ankle” but insisted that the youngster would be fit for Saturday’s contest.
“Bellingham is fit to play tomorrow. He will be fine and he will play the game. It’s just that he’s had some discomfort in his ankle,” said the manager on Friday.
Ancelotti also opened up on the midfielder’s form this season, admitting that his goalscoring exploits for the club since arriving have come as a surprise.
“Bellingham is very respected in the team not only for the goals he scores but for the work he does. We have never asked Bellingham to score goals. He has to continue like that and there will come a time when he won’t score goals,” added the Italian.
“Bellingham’s adaptation to the dressing room has been very good. Entering the dressing room is quite easy because the ego level of this squad is very low and for the new players it’s much easier.
“I didn’t see [Alfredo] Di Stefano play. I’ve seen [Johan] Cruyff and [Zinedine] Zidane play and I think I was as surprised with Bellingham as I was when I first saw Kaka. He has a lot of Kaka in him.”
Ancelotti also said that on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has returned to fitness following a thigh issue, but Andriy Lunin will continue between the sticks against Granada.
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“Kepa is available. He trained today and for the first time, he has been medically cleared. We will continue with Lunin, so Kepa will have a week to prepare for the match against [Real] Betis,” said the manager.
“The objective this weekend is to continue to show quality and efficiency in the game. The key to this run of form has been the team’s collective effort.”
Real Madrid are currently top of the La Liga table, level on points with second-placed Girona, and the capital outfit will be seeking a fifth straight victory in all competitions on Saturday evening.