Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham eases injury fears ahead of Granada clash

Rob Fleming
1 December 2023

In an update from Real Madrid's training ground, Carlo Ancelotti dispelled concerns over top goalscorer Jude Bellingham's fitness after the player's early exit from Friday's session.

The focus now shifts to their match against Granada at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday.

Bellingham, who briefly tested his fitness in the session, left prematurely, sparking worries of a potential injury. Ancelotti, however, swiftly addressed these concerns in a press conference, stating, "Tomorrow he's ready to play, he's a little tired. He had a slight discomfort in his ankle, and we preferred to avoid any contact so that it didn't get worse, but he's fine for tomorrow."

Despite Bellingham's minor setback, Real Madrid face a broader injury crisis with seven players sidelined. Ancelotti emphasized that this predicament is not unique to his team, stating, "It is a general problem, not just ours. Every game there are players who go down… because the schedule is very tight at the moment. We have to endure it, and it is being an opportunity for the players who have had less prominence. They are contributing a lot to the team."

While the casualty list was at eight for their recent clash against Napoli, there is a glimmer of hope as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to return to the squad. Ancelotti commented, "Kepa is available, and I will talk to him later. We will continue with (Andriy) Lunin… and then we will have a week to prepare for the game against Betis."

Amid the physical toll and mounting injuries, Ancelotti addressed concerns about a potential drop in form in the second half of the season, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football. He stated, "It could even come tomorrow. You never know. Football changes quickly, but if you fall, you have to get up quickly. We know it will come, yes."

Real Madrid have strategically navigated their fitness regime under the guidance of fitness coach Antonio Pintus. The team have traditionally scheduled peaks and troughs into their training regimen, aiming to reach the final third of the season in peak condition.

Ancelotti reflected on this approach, noting, "Since the return of fitness coach Antonio Pintus, we have been optimizing fitness to arrive at the final third of the season at the top of our game. Last season this worked against us, but this year we are four points ahead of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid."

As Real Madrid ready themself for the Granada showdown, the spotlight remains on Bellingham's availability and the team's ability to overcome the challenges posed by injuries.