Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos suffered an unexpected scare on Saturday. On the eve of the decisive match against Girona, a simple incident casts doubt on the Merengue’s state of fitness. But the Spanish international and Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the same trend.
Dani Ceballos had more than a few Real Madrid fans shaking their heads on Saturday. The player felt discomfort in his left ankle during one of the first exercises of the final training session before Sunday’s clash with Girona at the Bernabeu. The doctors immediately applied a bandage to support the joint, before allowing him to continue with the session. A simple wrong move could have deprived Carlo Ancelotti of a key midfield player just hours before a vital La Liga encounter.
Ceballos was quick to share a story on social media to reassure everyone. ‘Ready for tomorrow’, he wrote on his Instagram account, revealing his determination intact. He will indeed be playing against Girona tomorrow. Just a few minutes were enough to allay fears of a longer absence. Real Madrid have already had to deal with a number of setbacks, including injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, not to mention the suspension of Jude Bellingham. So the idea of losing another first-choice player was obviously not appealing to anyone.
Listos para mañana ⚽️💫🤍 pic.twitter.com/46tehnO0iT
— Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) February 22, 2025
Carlo Ancelotti also confirms Ceballos
Carlo Ancelotti was reassuring during his press conference. The Italian coach stressed that the Ceballos incident was not serious. The coach also mentioned the possibility of rotating the squad, as the club is playing one match after another at a fast pace. He must take into account the accumulated fatigue and minor physical ailments of each player, especially as Real Madrid still have several objectives this season.
‘Ceballos? It’s not a problem. I’m going to assess the players who need a rest. The squad is growing physically, and tomorrow he could be an option to play for Alaba. These are things I need to value today,’ explained the coach.
Ancelotti: "Ceballos injured in training? He's fine, like everyone who played. I'll evaluate those who need rest. The team is growing physically. It might be possible for Alaba to play tomorrow. These are the things I have to evaluate today." pic.twitter.com/26alLkewzi
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) February 22, 2025
Carlo Ancelotti is banking heavily on Dani Ceballos. The Spanish midfielder has featured in eight of Real Madrid’s last eleven games. His role? To stabilise the midfield, recover balls in key areas and get the attack moving again quickly. Over the last few months, he has won the confidence of the Italian coach, who appreciates his ability to distribute play and adapt to different tactical situations.
This versatility is attracting the attention of the coaching staff. Ceballos can support the defence and take part in attacking phases without leaving a gap in midfield. His recent performances against the likes of Osasuna and Manchester City have confirmed his rise to prominence. In the absence of Bellingham, the Andalusian knows he has an important card to play if he is to cement his status at Real Madrid.
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