There's a strong likelihood that Jude Bellingham won't be able to take part in Tuesday's kickoff of the Champions League knockout phase. Due to a 'severely sprained ankle,' the twenty-year-old Englishman is a doubtful case for Real Madrid's away game against RB Leipzig.
In a significant setback for Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham was forced to exit the field in the 57th minute during Saturday's match against Girona due to ankle complaints.
The promising attacking midfielder's departure made way for Brahim Díaz to join the fray. The following day, Real Madrid issued a succinct update on Bellingham's condition following medical evaluations, identifying the issue as a severe ankle sprain. While the club's announcement did not specify a timeline for recovery, reports from Madrid's sports media circles are hinting at a potential three-week absence for the English international before he could make a comeback.
The incident adds to the growing list of challenges faced by Carlo Ancelotti, who, after the 4-0 triumph, shared that Bellingham had twisted his ankle. Ancelotti, despite the circumstances, managed to retain his sense of humor, remarking, "I couldn't be more concerned. Today, we've already set a world record with four center-backs injured." This comment came after Antonio Rüdiger was confirmed as unavailable due to injury ahead of the Girona match, forcing Ancelotti to deploy Dani Carvajal and Aurélien Tchouaméni in unaccustomed central defensive roles due to the absence of a natural center-back.
With Bellingham joining the ranks of Real Madrid's injured players, which already includes notable names like Rüdiger, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Nacho, and Éder Militão, the league-leading team faces a significant test of depth and resilience. Bellingham's injury represents a particularly stinging blow considering his impactful performances; Ancelotti himself lauded Bellingham's contributions during the press conference, comparing his playing style to that of Zinédine Zidane. The Italian coach praised Bellingham for his exceptional ball-handling skills and his ability to penetrate defenses with his runs, highlighting the rarity of such attributes among players today. Ancelotti suggested that while Zidane may have had a technical edge, Bellingham's combination of technique and the ability to make deep runs is what sets him apart, making his absence all the more felt by the team and its supporters.
This turn of events underscores the challenges Real Madrid faces as they navigate through injuries to key players, testing the squad's depth and Ancelotti's tactical flexibility. The loss of Bellingham, coupled with injuries to several key defenders, presents a complex puzzle for Ancelotti to solve as Real Madrid continues its campaign both domestically and in European competition.
