Bellingham Targets Derby Return
The Real Madrid will face Atlético de Madrid this Sunday in the derby with several key absences, the most significant being Thibaut Courtois, who is expected to be out for approximately a month and a half. However, there is encouraging news: Jude Bellingham is aiming to be available for the match.
The English midfielder has already trained with the squad and, although he did not complete the entire session as the coaching staff is handling him cautiously, the signs are positive. This is not the first time he has done something similar, as in the first meeting, also against Atlético de Madrid, he accelerated his recovery in order to play.
On that occasion, he was coming off shoulder surgery and managed to start, although the result was not favorable, as Real Madrid fell 5-2 at the Metropolitano.
Doubts Over Starting XI and More Returns
Everything suggests that Jude Bellingham will be included in Álvaro Arbeloa’s squad for Sunday, although his presence in the starting XI remains uncertain, as they do not want to risk him following his thigh injury.
Potential returns also include Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio, who appear ready to rejoin action. This comes as a relief for the team, considering the heavy workload carried by players such as Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García, and Dean Huijsen, who have featured in recent matches without rotation.
Franco Mastantuono will also be available after serving his two-match suspension. His return gives Álvaro Arbeloa more options, although the team will still have several absences heading into the clash against a highly motivated Atlético de Madrid side.
A Potential Game-Changer
The possible inclusion of Jude Bellingham would bring dynamism to the attack and greater defensive recovery. Against a team that typically closes down spaces, his vision and ability to arrive in key areas could prove decisive in breaking through the opposition’s defensive line.
