Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid issue that keeps forcing Ancelotti to haul him off
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Jude Bellingham is nursing an injury issue - which is why he continues to sub off the Real Madrid superstar.
The England ace has been a sensation since moving to the Bernabeu in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, breaking goalscoring records in his first few months in Spain. His exploits in front of goal have earned him huge plaudits, but that hasn't stopped Ancelotti bringing him off early.
Bellingham missed the win over Valencia last month with a shoulder issue and has only finished half of the La Liga games he's played since returning. Ancelotti bought him off with 12 minutes remaining at the weekend - a comfortable home win over Villarreal - and confessed he's simply trying to prevent a long-term lay off.
The Italian said: “Bellingham has been the protagonist because he has played very well and fought at all times. I have removed him to avoid problems. He has had a problem with his shoulder and when I can take minutes away from him, I’m going to do it.”
Such an issue could leave the 20-year-old requiring surgery later in the season, which would be an issue for Los Blancos given how Bellingham has become their talisman and main threat in front of goal. He's already scored 13 times in the league, including a brace to win El Clasico earlier this term.
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Bellingham's injury woes recently saw him pull out of England duty, albeit the Three Lions had already secured qualification for Euro 2024. The midfielder is set to play a key role for his country, but before that will be vital to Madrid's hopes domestically and in Europe.
The ex-Birmingham City star scored Real's opener as they saw off Villarreal with a 4-1 win at the Bernabeu as they kept up the pressure on unlikely title rivals Girona at the top of the table. Ancelotti though was dealt a major blow as versatile star David Alaba limped off the pitch in the first half with what looked to be a serious knee injury.
The midfielder has been a leading light for Real (Soeren Stache/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)Real have also learned that they will face German outfit RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Emilio Butragueno, who played for Real and is now a spokesperson for the club, said on the draw: “Real Madrid are happy with the draw? Those are just opinions and what worries us is the team and the rival we have in the round of 16, that is RB Leizpig, who we know well from last season.
"They were two intense, tough games, we know that we are not going to have an easy time repeating the draw here in a few months. We already know what this competition represents for the club.”
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