With the Clasico just two days away, Real Madrid fans were holding their breath. The latest performances from Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham against Mallorca in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey have raised concerns. The Uruguayan midfielder was substituted earlier than expected, while the Englishman suffered thigh discomfort late in the game. And let’s not forget Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was taken off to comply with the concussion protocol. But the good news comes just two days before the clash with Barcelona.
Real Madrid can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Last night, in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Mallorca, a number of key players caused concern among fans. Federico Valverde left the field early, replaced by Dani Ceballos. Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, suffered muscle discomfort towards the end of the match. Aurelien Tchouameni, out to comply with the concussion protocol, added to the list of worries. But today there is good news to reassure fans: all three will be present for the Clasico.
Federico Valverde surprised everyone by leaving the pitch while the match was still in progress. His exit raised questions and Carlo Ancelotti declared that the Uruguayan was feeling unusually tired. After assessment, the medical staff confirmed that there was no injury. Valverde will be ready to face Barcelona. The same applies to Jude Bellingham. The Englishman, who was omnipresent against Mallorca, felt some discomfort behind his thigh towards the end of the match. It was a scare that had Ancelotti worried. Today’s diagnosis is reassuring: no injury has been detected. According to Guillermo Rai, a journalist with The Athletic, Bellingham will be able to play his leading role on Sunday.
🚨 NEW: At the club they believe that Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham will have no problems playing in the final -despite overloads. @GuillermoRai_ pic.twitter.com/vQcK6BuHEH
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 10, 2025
Tchouameni, under surveillance but ready
Tchouameni’s case is different. The French midfielder was taken off to apply the concussion protocol after a second-half knock. According to Guillermo Rai, a journalist with The Athletic, medical tests confirmed this morning that he had no serious symptoms. The staff have also approved his participation in the Clasico.
🚨 Ancelotti: "Tchouaméni is FINE. Valverde and Bellingham? It was an overload." pic.twitter.com/yfQB8EDN2D
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 9, 2025
With Valverde, Bellingham and Tchouameni fit, Real Madrid will be able to field their best line-up against Barcelona. The Clasico, which is crucial for both teams, represents an opportunity for Los Merengues to redeem themselves after their 4-0 defeat in their last meeting at the Bernabeu this season. Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed that he will be relying on his core players in a bid to win this season’s third title. With a fully-strengthened squad, especially after the return of Luka Modric from illness against Mallorca, Real Madrid will be in the best possible shape to face Barcelona.
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