Real Madrid’s midfielder, Jude Bellingham, is scheduled for a fitness evaluation on Wednesday in anticipation of the club’s Champions League encounter with Braga. However, Bellingham’s availability remains uncertain.
In the recent 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano, Bellingham experienced an uncomfortable fall early in the match. Despite completing the full game, he displayed visible discomfort in his shoulder. Interestingly, this game marked the first time this season that Real Madrid failed to score.
Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the 20-year-old has been a remarkable addition to the team, excelling in an advanced ‘number 10’ position and netting 13 goals in his initial 13 appearances.
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Following the Rayo Vallecano match, Bellingham was scheduled for shoulder tests on Monday. Ancelotti reassured, “I don’t believe it’s anything significant.” Nevertheless, the tight schedule before Real Madrid’s next match may pose a challenge for his recovery.
Bellingham was back in training on Tuesday but avoided full contact in the session.
“I don’t know if Bellingham is going to play [against Braga]. He trained today and he’s pretty good. He didn’t do all the training to avoid bumping his shoulder,” Ancelotti said.
“In all the movements today, he felt good. I will evaluate it with him [on Wednesday].”
Bellingham’s 16 goal involvements, including three assists, account for 29 of Madrid’s total output across both La Liga and the Champions League – or 55% to put a number on his importance.
His potential absence against Braga wouldn’t be disastrous as Madrid have won all three group games so far and would seal qualification for the knockouts with two games to spare with even just a draw. Leaving Bellingham out of this one for additional recovery time could be a risk worth taking.