Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that Los Blancos are anxiously monitoring the fitness of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde after both players experienced some form of discomfort during their 3-0 Super Cup semi-final win over Mallorca.
Bellingham appeared to suffer a muscle injury, with the England international in visible discomfort late on. However, this didn’t stop him from engaging in a post-game scuffle on the pitch.
As for Valverde, the Uruguayan was forced to exit the pitch 15 minutes earlier due to a limp, while emergency center-back Aurélien Tchouaméni was substituted after a head injury during the second half.
With a Super Cup final against Clasico rivals Barcelona on Sunday, Ancelotti was cautious when asked about the availability of the injured trio, initially attempting to downplay the severity of their conditions.
“I saw Tchouameni doing well on the bench,” the Italian said. “The doctor preferred to take him off because it was a blow to the head.
“Bellingham and Valverde… overloads. We didn’t expect the heat and, in my opinion, it affected the rhythm of the game.”
However, in a later interview with Movistar, Ancelotti revealed both Bellingham and Valverde had complained about muscle strains.
“[Valverde] had an adductor strain, like Bellingham,” the boss revealed. “It was an unexpectedly hot game, it was very hot… and it could have affected both of them.”
Ancelotti will certainly be hoping to have both players fit and firing as the La Liga champions look to exact revenge on their arch rivals, following that damning 4-0 defeat earlier on in the season. The prospect of beating Barcelona to the Super Cup will also give Los Blancos added impetus.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
