Bellingham fit and ready for El Clasico, Ancelotti says

The 20-year-old Bellingham has made his transition to Spanish football look ridiculously easy with 11 goals and three assists in 12 games in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham signals to the crown at the end of the Champions League Group C match between SC Braga and Real Madrid at the Municipal stadium in Braga, Portugal, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that England midfielder Jude Bellingham is ready to face Barcelona in Saturday’s Clasico after he was forced out of its Champions League win at Braga with a thigh pull.

The 20-year-old Bellingham has made his transition to Spanish football look ridiculously easy with 11 goals and three assists in 12 games in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund.

He scored the winner in Real’s 2-1 victory at Braga and became only the second Real Madrid player to net in each of his first three Champions League games after Christian Karembeu in 1998.

“(Bellingham) will play because he is feeling well, [and] totally recovered. They have removed the overload (in his muscle),” Ancelotti told a press conference on Friday.

“I don’t have to explain to him what a Clasico is, everyone knows what it means. It’s a worldwide match.”

Although acknowledging the massive anticipation surrounding the game, Ancelotti insisted it should not be seen as a final.

“We are motivated, it’s an important, special game... But it’s only the first Clasico of this season, there will be more... Super Cup, the La Liga game at our home, Copa del Rey, Champions League...

“There are so many opportunities for us to meet again that makes me have the feeling that tomorrow’s game will only be the first of many... And we’re in good shape.”

Ancelotti said he never had to give explanations to players about his selection decisions, amid concerns about veteran midfielder Luka Modric’s role with youngsters like Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni developing fast.

“Players are all professionals and don’t ask for explanations. In the same way, I don’t usually give explanations to those who don’t play. There is nothing to worry about,” Ancelotti said about Modric’s role.

“We are working with a new system, and things are changing, sometimes we rotate to keep the squad fresh and motivated. That’s all.”

Real leads the La Liga standings, level with Girona, the surprise packages of the season, on 25 points from 10 games. Barcelona is third on 24 points, two ahead of Atletico Madrid, which has a game in hand.