Real Madrid News
Jude Bellingham back in training with Real Madrid ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
After Jude Bellingham left Real Madrid’s training session early on Friday due to stomach problems, there were some concerns among the fans.
After all, Los Blancos are facing their biggest test of the season so far as they take on neighbours Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Bellingham back in training
But, on the eve of the match, the worries have been put at ease as Bellingham is training with the rest of the Real Madrid squad as per normal, reports Mario Cortegana.
The England international has been the most standout performer for Los Blancos in the ongoing campaign.
In six matches across all competitions, Bellingham has already scored six goals and set up one more, playing an important part in the club’s 100% winning start to the campaign.
Naturally, there were alarm bells ringing when he had to leave training early yesterday due to a stomach bug.
But it appears that all is well with the former Birmingham City starlet and he will be ready to face Atletico in his first ever Madrilenian derby on Sunday.
Dani Carvajal ruled out
While Bellingham will likely be available for selection, the same cannot be said about Dani Carvajal.
The right-back missed the midweek game against Union Berlin and scans on Friday showed that he is still not ready to make a comeback.
As such, Carvajal is absent from training today and will be unavailable for the derby against Los Rojiblancos.
Vinicius Jr was also seen training with the rest of the team today, although it remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti decides to call him up for the derby.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler has resumed training on the pitch, but will likely have to wait to make his debut for Real Madrid.
Nico Paz was long hyped as Real Madrid Castilla’s brightest upcoming star. The media constantly kept the spotlight on the young Argentine through pre-season as he made a strong impression under Carlo Ancelotti in preseason.
His breakthrough eventually arrived, courtesy of Real Madrid’s injury crisis. He has now made two appearances for the team in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and even recorded his first goal for the club earlier this week against Napoli.
Taking his chances
As revealed by AS (h/t The Madrid Zone), Paz has impressed management with his cameo against Napoli and will be called up for Real Madrid’s clash against Granada tomorrow.
In fact, there is a good chance he sees significant game time on the night.
After all, Ancelotti is without the likes of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park.
With Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham filling the starting spots, Paz serves as the manager’s first-choice backup off the bench.
Paz voices his elation
Paz’s introduction against Napoli changed the texture of the game, and it was only poetic that he got the goal that put Real Madrid ahead again on the night.
Speaking to the media after his special night, the Castilla star did not hold back on his emotions.
“This is a dream. For a moment I didn’t even believe it. Very happy to be able to help the team. I dared. I was in automatic mode, I didn’t even know what I was doing. I hit it and well.”
“This is also a message for the other youth players: it is possible to get there. Ancelotti congratulated me, and the whole staff. They are an incredible group and I want to thank them all,” he added, urging his Castilla teammates to keep pushing.
