Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has confirmed he will be available for El Clasico on Saturday.
The England international has been in remarkable form for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.
The 20-year-old was again on the scoresheet against Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday, but he was unable to finish the match, coming off with groin discomfort late on.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti played down fears that Bellingham could be absent for the clash with Barcelona when asked about the midfielder during his post-match press conference.
"It's okay. The abductors were a little loaded because the field was soft. He's a little tired, but it's normal," Ancelotti told reporters.
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Bellingham did not train with his teammates on Thursday, leading to suggestions that he faced a battle against the clock to be ready for the huge La Liga fixture.
However, Bellingham is expected to be back in training on Friday, and he has said, via Teledeporte, that he will be available for El Clasico.
"I'm looking forward to the game against Barcelona. I felt discomfort in Braga, but I will be in the Clasico," revealed the summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
"Yes, yes, I am in good condition for the game. I'm really excited."
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Bellingham also said that he has been 'surprised' with his own goalscoring form this season, having proven himself to be comfortably his team's leading scorer at this stage of proceedings.
"It's a little surprising for me to score 11 goals but I have been able to help my team and the truth is that I'm very happy," he added.
"The 'Hey Jude' chants? When I'm on the pitch and I score a goal I start listening to it, first low and then it goes up and up. It's something that makes me feel very proud. I am indebted to the fans and I hope to continue paying them as they have received me."
Real Madrid are also hopeful that Joselu will have recovered from illness in time for the clash with Barcelona, while Arda Guler has a slight chance of making the squad after seemingly overcoming a thigh problem.
However, there will once again be no Thibaut Courtois or Eder Militao due to long-term knee injuries, while Dani Ceballos is missing due to a muscular problem.
Matt Law
