Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Will Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni be available for El Clasico?

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Jude Bellingham is fit for Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona after suffering with muscular overload in the semi-final of the competition.

Bellingham was once again on the scoresheet on Thursday night, as Los Blancos beat Mallorca 3-0 to book their spot in the final against a Barcelona side that overcame Athletic Bilbao in the final four.

However, there had been some concern surrounding the England international’s fitness after he appeared to suffer a muscular problem during the clash with Mallorca.

Ancelotti, speaking during his pre-match press conference, has confirmed that the former Birmingham City youngster “has recovered well” and will be able to take to the field for the first whistle in El Clasico.

“He is fine, he has recovered well. It was normal load from matches. It’s very important because he’s on a good run. He is a player who has made a difference,” the Real Madrid boss told reporters on Saturday.

© Imago

Bellingham declared fit for Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona

Bellingham has been in excellent form for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering seven assists in 23 appearances in all competitions, and he will be aiming to help Los Blancos secure a third trophy of the season on Sunday.

Ancelotti’s side have already won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup this term, while they are the holders of the Spanish Super Cup, beating Barcelona 4-1 in last year’s final.

“We’re in good shape, we’re hungry and excited. The issues we had during the Mallorca game have been resolved and we have all our players available,” Ancelotti added, confirming that Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni would also be available.

“We’re really excited for this one and the confidence we have going into every final will be crucial. Barcelona is a historic rival and these games are always hard-fought and tough for both sides. We’ll try and do all we can to win another trophy.”

Valverde also suffered with an overload issue against Mallorca, while Tchouameni came off with a head injury, but the duo will be available for selection against Barcelona on Sunday night.

© Imago

Ancelotti insists Spanish Super Cup is ‘an important title’

Ancelotti also refused to play down the importance of the Spanish Super Cup despite the title being behind the likes of La Liga and the Champions League in the club’s list of priorities this term.

“This title is important because statistically, whenever we’ve won the Super Cup, we’ve gone on to have a great season, whereas whenever we’ve lost it, we typically haven’t won La Liga or the Champions League. It’s a competition that brings added motivation and sets you on a strong path to continue with the rest of the season,” he added.

“It’s a final and we’re on the brink of another title. I’m well aware than anything can happen in football and Barcelona always compete at a very high level in these kinds of games. We have made improvements, nobody can deny that. A defeat wouldn’t be good news for us but it wouldn’t mean the team is going backwards.”

Real Madrid are on a run of five straight wins in all competitions, and they will take on Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey after the clash with Barcelona, before returning to La Liga action against Las Palmas on January 19.

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