Real Madrid received a significant boost ahead of their Champions League opener as coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the availability of key players Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Éder Militão for Tuesday’s match against Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Ancelotti addressed the media on Monday, stating, “Bellingham is fine, just like Tchouaméni and Militão, who didn’t train today. He needed an extra day to recover.”
Bellingham, the high-profile English midfielder, has been sidelined with a foot injury since Real Madrid’s Spanish league opener against Mallorca in August. His only other appearance this season came in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta, which marked the beginning of Madrid’s campaign.
French midfielder Tchouaméni also missed the team’s recent 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga due to a foot injury. His return strengthens Real Madrid’s midfield options for the crucial European fixture.
Central defender Militão, who featured in the win against Sociedad, was absent from Monday’s training session due to a reported knee issue. However, Ancelotti reassured, “He went through some individual work but he will be 100% for the game tomorrow.”
The positive news about these key players’ fitness is tempered by the absence of forward Brahim Díaz, who sustained a right leg muscle injury during the first half of the Sociedad match.
Real Madrid, the record holders with 15 European titles, are entering this Champions League campaign with high expectations. The match against Stuttgart will mark their first Champions League appearance since the headline-grabbing signing of French star Kylian Mbappé, who is anticipated to start on Tuesday.
As the Spanish giants aim to defend their status as Europe’s most successful club, the return of Bellingham, Tchouaméni, and Militão provides Ancelotti with valuable options in his squad selection. Their availability could prove crucial as Real Madrid begins its quest for a 16th Champions League trophy.
The eyes of the football world will be on the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid kicks off its European campaign, with fans eager to see how the team’s blend of established stars and new signings performs on the Champions League stage.
AP
