Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham is unfit to play for Real Madrid in Saturday's LaLiga game against Real Sociedad, while midfield teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni will also miss out.
Bellingham suffered a muscle injury in his right leg last month and sources told ESPN he would be out until after this week's international break.
The English star did not train with his teammates at Real Madrid City this morning, and neither did Tchouameni, although two other injury doubts were present, defenders Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy.
“They won't play tomorrow,” said Ancelotti, when asked about Bellingham and Tchouaméni in the pre-match press conference. “It's too early. We'll see if they'll be available on Tuesday in the Champions League.” [against VfB Stuttgart].”
Champions Madrid have drawn two of their first four La Liga games so far this season, leaving them four points behind rivals Barcelona.
The team's revamped forward line, which now includes summer arrival Kylian Mbappé, has not been at its best, with Ballon d'Or hopeful Vinícius Júnior scoring just once, from the penalty spot, in those four games.
“He's not at his best, but he's decisive for us,” said Ancelotti, when asked about Vinícius. “We're in no hurry. The team has scored goals and he's been important… I'm very happy with what he's doing.”
Ancelotti denied that Vinícius had been distracted by interest from Saudi Arabia; ESPN reported last month that the Brazil international had postponed a decision on his future until next summer.
“I don't know if [Vinícius] “I don't know if there has been an offer or not,” said Ancelotti. “I speak to everyone every day and we have never talked about that subject. Vinicius loves playing football so much that anything that comes from outside doesn't bother him.”
His team-mate Rodrygo admitted this week he was “upset” at being left out of the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist and said his versatility had affected his development, but Ancelotti said he was not worried about jealousy in the dressing room.
“If it happens, I will detect it,” said Ancelotti. “There is a very good and healthy atmosphere in the dressing room… [Rodrygo] deserved to be [on the shortlist] And I understand that you are upset.
“Someone has forgotten what he did in the Champions League, scoring against… [Manchester] “He is a very important player, a wildcard player, who can play in many positions and always does well.”
