Jude Bellingham confirms injury status ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has assured fans concerned over a midweek injury that he will be involved in the first Clasico of the season against Barcelona on Saturday.

Bellingham has somehow managed to exceed expectations following his big-money summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund, leading his new team in goals after scoring 11 in 12 games across all competitions. He has also registered three assists during that time.

But the England star, having found the net again when Madrid beat Braga 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday to maintain this season's 100% record in the group stage, suffered an injury in Portugal that led to fears he could miss the trip to Catalonia.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti quickly insisted there was no major concern.

"He is okay. His adductors are a bit charged because the pitch was a bit soft. But nothing special. He will recover," the coach explained. "He is okay, a bit tired like everybody else. But that's normal."

Bellingham himself, despite not yet returning to training, issued a similar update on Thursday.

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"I will be in the Clasico," he told RTVE.

Marca report that Madrid staff are optimistic he will indeed be fit and available for the crunch clash with Barcelona – only one point separates them at the top of La Liga.

It is said that Bellingham has been working with physios indoors at Valdebebas as Madrid, wrap him in cotton wool, so to speak, before the biggest game of 2023/24 so far. The intention is that he will be able to rejoin training on Friday and be available to Ancelotti for the game on Saturday.

Following the Clasico, Madrid then have a full week clear of games before their next match against Rayo Vallecano at home on 5 November, which will benefit players hoping for a brief rest.

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