October 25, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham will be available for selection when Los Blancos take on Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday. The 20-year-old was withdrawn late on during Madrid’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Braga on Tuesday, sparking fears he could miss the crunch clash with Barca.
Bellingham had put Madrid 2-0 up against Braga with his 11th goal of the season, continuing his superb form since joining the club. However, there was concern when he was seen hobbling in the closing stages, with El Clasico just days away.
Speaking on the player’s fitness, Ancelotti provided a positive update. The Italian said the Englishman’s adductors were “a bit charged” from the soft pitch but it was “nothing special”. Ancelotti confirmed Bellingham will recover in time to face Barcelona.
The news will come as a huge relief for Madrid as they aim to build on their strong start in La Liga this term. The leaders have won eight of their opening ten games but face their toughest test yet against third-placed Barca, who trail them by just one point.
Barca have injury issues of their own, with Pedri set to miss out. Still, Xavi has plenty of talented youngsters coming through to keep optimism high at the Camp Nou. Saturday’s Clasico remains too close to call between the Spanish giants.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
