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Jude Bellingham is a doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Braga on Wednesday at the Bernabeu, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
This season, the England international has been in superb form for Los Blancos, scoring 13 goals and registering three assists in 14 games across all competitions.
Bellingham was able to play the entire 90 minutes against Rayo Vallecano in the league on Sunday, although he was hit in the shoulder early in the game, which ended in a goalless draw.
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was permitted to participate in training on Tuesday, but he did not complete the session, with Ancelotti remaining cautious about his participation against Braga.
“Who is Jude Bellingham?” I’m not sure if he’ll play. I’ll make a decision tomorrow. “He didn’t finish the training to avoid knocks, but he feels better,” Ancelotti said during his pre-match press conference.
Real Madrid has won all three of their Champions League matches this season, defeating Union Berlin, Napoli, and Braga, and currently leads Group C with nine points.
Los Blancos only need a point on Wednesday to qualify for the last-16 stage of the Champions League, but Bellingham starting would be surprising given the circumstances.
“Winning tomorrow is critical. We know Braga is a strong squad, and we will have to give our all,” Ancelotti told reporters before being asked about the competition’s prospective victors this season.
“Which team will win the Champions League?” There are no significant surprises; everything is the same. The caliber of the large teams, such as PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), Bayern [Munich], and [Manchester] City, is constantly present. The Spanish teams will all fight for the title.”
Ancelotti also spoke about Brahim Diaz, who has struggled to find playing time this season after returning from a loan spell at AC Milan.
Real Madrid’s head coach claimed that Diaz “will have minutes” in the coming weeks and hinted that he would play some part against Braga.
“I’m always talking to him.” He didn’t get any playing time, but I know he can contribute to the squad. The competence is quite good here. “He’ll play, maybe tomorrow or the next game,” remarked the head coach.
“I’ve read a lot, and I don’t have a problem with him.” He’s unique because he played for Milan.”
Diaz, 24, has made nine appearances for Real Madrid this season, scoring one, but he has only started one game from the start, against Las Palmas in La Liga at the end of September.
