Carlo Ancelotti downplays Jude Bellingham injury scare ahead of Atalanta clash

Real Madrid eased past Girona with a 3-0 La Liga victory, but concerns emerged after Jude Bellingham was substituted with a potential muscle issue in the second half.

The England midfielder, who opened the scoring alongside goals from Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé, appeared to complain of discomfort.

He was seen raising alarm on the pitch ahead of Madrid’s crucial Champions League fixture against Atalanta.

Bellingham’s fitness has been a recurring concern this season, having previously missed four league matches due to a similar problem earlier in the campaign.

However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti sought to reassure fans, dismissing fears of a serious setback.

“[Bellingham’s] fine, available,” Ancelotti told reporters post-match. “We had [Ferland] Mendy’s muscle injury, but the rest are just knocks, nothing more.”

Mendy’s injury adds to Real Madrid’s defensive woes, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and David Alaba already sidelined.