Carlos Ancelotti provides key injury updates about Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy

Real Madrid is gearing up for an important UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta on December 10, following a solid 3-0 victory in La Liga against Girona. 

With less than 72 hours to prepare, Carlo Ancelotti is focused on achieving a favourable result as he returns to his homeland. The match presents an opportunity for the defending European champions to improve their standing, currently sitting at 24th in the league phase rankings.

Two consecutive defeats and three overalls highlight a surprising dip in form for Ancelotti’s team, with the upcoming match against Atalanta marking their final European outing of 2024.

Ancelotti provided injury updates 

Following the victory at Estadi Montilivi, Ancelotti provided insights into the injury updates of the club, mentioning one key player who is set to miss out against Atalanta.

On a positive note, Bellingham’s news is sure to boost the morale of the dressing room and the fans ahead of the all-important clash against Atalanta. The English footballer has been in fine form, scoring 5 goals in the last 6 matches.

Bellingham fired quickly by opening the scoring for Ancelotti’s side in the 36th minute and later provided a key assist for Arda Guler’s goal, which extended their lead in the 55th minute. However, he indicated some discomfort and requested to be substituted just six minutes later, pointing to his adductor muscle. 

Dani Ceballos came on to replace him, and shortly after, Kylian Mbappe contributed with a third goal. In the final moments of the match, full-back Mendy was also substituted, making way for Fran Garcia.

Following the conclusion of the fixture, Ancelotti downplayed Bellingham's early substitution but asserted Mendy would be out of the Champions League fixture against Atalanta.

Mendy’s ongoing absence is a setback, with Fran Garcia expected to continue filling in at left-back.

"Jude is fine, he had a bit of tiredness in the leg and he preferred not to take risks in the last few minutes, I think he’s fine,” Ancelotti said.

“Ferland Mendy is injured. He has a muscle injury but I think Rodrygo will be back for Atalanta.” Ancelotti added.