Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao are back in the Real Madrid squad ahead of the game against Athletic Club on Sunday.
Real Madrid will aim to inch closer to the league title when they welcome Athletic Club to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior will serve a suspension on Sunday due to an accumulation of yellow cards. However, Ancelotti has greeted several other pieces of good news, with Jude Bellingham available again, while Eder Militao has recovered from his long-term knee injury to return to the matchday squad.
In addition, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have shrugged off their issues to be available to take on Athletic Club. Meanwhile, Ancelotti provided a fitness update on a few players during his pre-match press conference, including Camavinga and Militao.
The Real Madrid manager said, “The team’s doing well. Those who have returned from their national teams have recovered well. Camavinga trained normally despite having a minor problem. Militão is back, which is the most important piece of news.”
“He’s available, he’s trained well but he’s not 100% because he still needs to play more football. He’s recovered very well from the injury. He got injured in the game against Athletic in the first half of the season and now he’s back against Athletic. Courtois’ new injury was unlucky, but he’ll be back as well.”
Elaborating on Militao’s return, Ancelotti discussed the possibility of the Brazilian returning to the starting lineup straightaway. The Real Madrid boss said, “Militão is a very important player who helps us in many areas of the game. In the air, in the battles. I wouldn’t rule him out completely. If we don’t go with Militão, either Nacho or Tchouameni will play.”
Despite Ancelotti’s comments, Militao will not return to the starting lineup, with Nacho and Antonio Rudiger forming the central defensive pairing. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy should complete the numbers at the back, with Andriy Lunin featuring between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni should return to the base after starting as a centre-back against Osasuna. Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde should accompany the French international in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, Bellingham will return to the team, with Brahim Diaz reprising a more advanced role in the absence of Vinicius, accompanying Rodrygo in the final third.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz
