2024-08-26 00:00:02
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make one major change to the starting line up when his … [+]
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make two major changes to the starting line up when his side hosts Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
In his prematch press conference on Friday, the Italian revealed that Jude Bellingham could be ruled out of action with the club later confirming the Englishman had suffered a muscular injury in his right leg in training that morning.
Outlets such as ESPN have put his timeframe absence down as one month according to anonymous sources, and Bellingham took to social media to tell of his frustration in being sidelined.
“Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year,” the 21-year-old wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form. Thanks for your messages of concern and support. Lots of love and Hala Madrid!,” Bellingham added.
The number 5 joins Eduardo Camavinga on the sick list, meaning there will be a major change in attacking midfield.
Ahead of veteran captain Luka Modric, an Arda Guler impressive in preseason gets a starting nod to come in for Bellingham in Los Blancos’ 2024/2025 La Liga home debut.
He will partner Fede Valverde, as pivot Aurelien Tchouameni sits behind the Turk and the Uruguayan in a 4-1-2-3.
The attacking line will see Vinicius Jr. on the left wing while Rodrygo mans the right flank on the other side of number 9 Kylian Mbappe.
Back in defence, Ancelotti also has to make alterations because of Ferland Mendy’s red card towards the death of last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Mallorca.
Fran Garcia is the left back then, with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger the central defenders while Dani Carvajal starts as a right full back.
Collectively, they try and protect Thibaut Courtois’ goal as Madrid seeks to notch its first win of the season.
Real Madrid First XI Vs. Real Valladolid: Courtois; Fran, Rudiger, Militao, Carvajal; Tchouameni, Guler, Valverde; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, Rodrygo
