Jude Bellingham to return for Real Madrid against Valencia
- Carlo Ancelotti confirms Bellingham will make his return from injury
- Midfielder missed three games with an ankle problem
- Thibaut Courtois also closing in on his return from knee surgery
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Jude Bellingham will make his return from an ankle injury in Saturday's meeting with Valencia.
Bellingham has missed Madrid's last three games in all competitions after limping off around the hour mark of the 4-0 win over Girona, in which he netted his 19th and 20th goals of the campaign.
Madrid have scored just once in each of their games without Bellingham but will hope to get back to their prolific ways with the return of their top scorer.
"We need to be at our best," Ancelotti said ahead of the game. "[Dani] Carvajal, [Eduardo] Camavinga, Joselu, Bellingham are all back.
"[Bellingham] is 100%. Everything he has done and needed to do on an individual level is fine. He is comfortable with his ankle. He is at his best. He is going to play."
Ancelotti went on to reveal first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has not played this season after suffering a knee injury during the summer, is close to his return.
"The date is not defined," Ancelotti stressed. "But we have to take advantage of the international break and then the mini-break of the Copa del Rey. At that time, he will do tasks with the team.
"After 14 April, after Mallorca, Courtois could be there."
Madrid head into Saturday's game sitting six points clear at the top of the La Liga standings and will have the chance to extend that lead before Girona and Barcelona take to the field on Sunday evening.
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