Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has more options for Tuesday night’s Champions League debut against VfB Stuttgart, with Jude Bellingham set to be the headline choice. The Englishman trained as usual on Monday and, barring any setbacks, will be back in action at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Bellingham is fine, as are Tchouameni and Militao… who didn’t train today because he needed another day of rest. The team is pretty good,” Ancelotti told the press.
Outside the club, alarm bells rang when it became clear that Eder Militao was not training with the rest of the group, unlike Aurelien Tchouameni and Bellingham, who have overcome their injury problems.
“He didn’t train today because we thought about giving him another day of rest so he could work individually. Tomorrow he will be back at 100 percent.”
Ancelotti was also asked whether he felt he had the better team this year or last year.
“You’ve already seen what happened: we lost two important players in Nacho and Kroos. And Joselu. In return we get one of the best players in the world. Do we have a better squad than last year? I think so.”
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal was also happy about Bellingham’s return.
“Fantastic news about what he brings to us both on and off the pitch. It’s a great feeling to see him back in the squad. We rely on him.”
If Militao gets into trouble, Carvajal would also like to play in central defence.
“I have no problem. Wherever the boss needs my services, I’m there. As always. I have no problem playing in a different position.”
Los Blancos have looked out of their depth at times in recent weeks, their three strikers have struggled to connect with the rest of the team and Real Sociedad have publicly stated that their build-up play is a problem. The return of Tchouameni and Bellingham should help them find their rhythm. Ancelotti also mentioned that he is pleased with Los Blancos’ four clean sheets in six games.
