da fezbet: Jude Bellingham is back for Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming that the England international “will play” against Valencia.
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Midfielder has sat out three gamesHas 20 goals for the seasonReady for timely return to actionWHAT HAPPENED?
The 20-year-old midfielder suffered an ankle strain during a Liga clash with Girona on February 10. He netted two goals in that contest, taking him to 20 for the season, but has not been seen since after sitting out three matches in all competitions.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ANCELOTTI SAID ABOUT BELLINGHAM
Bellingham has worked his way back to fitness and, with medical staff clearing him for a return to the field, will figure in some capacity when Real travel to the Mestalla on Saturday. Blancos boss Ancelotti has said of Bellingham: “He’s 100 per cent. The truth is that he hasn’t trained much with the team but on an individual level he’s doing very well with his ankle. He is at full strength and tomorrow he will play.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real will also have Joselu, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal at their disposal against Valencia, with Ancelotti receiving a welcome selection boost. The Italian coach added: “The closer we get to the end of the season, the more difficult it becomes. Obviously we need our best version. Joselu, Bellingham, Camavinga, Carvajal are back. We have a chance to have a good game.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Liga table, with Girona and Clasico rivals Barcelona their closest challengers, and will also be delighted to have Bellingham back ahead of a second leg encounter with RB Leipzig in the last-16 of the Champions League.