Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti announced Monday that midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni have recovered from injuries and will return as Los Blancos start their Champions League title defense.
Real Madrid, the record 15-time Champions League winners and current holders, are set to begin their title defense against German side Stuttgart on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team has been bolstered by the return of midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, who have recovered from injuries.
Defender Eder Militao, who did not participate in Monday’s training session, is also expected to be available for the match. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Militao missed training to allow for an additional day of recovery but assured that he would be fit for the game.
Ancelotti expressed optimism about the return of Bellingham and Tchouameni but also noted the setback of losing another key player, Brahim Diaz, to injury. “Bellingham is good, just as Tchouameni is good, and Militao too for tomorrow,” said Ancelotti. “Unfortunately, we have lost another important player in Brahim Diaz.”
Bellingham, who had been playing in a deeper midfield role this season, had missed four La Liga matches due to a calf injury sustained in August. Dani Carvajal praised Bellingham’s return, highlighting his significant contribution to the team. “His return is fantastic news, not just for what he brings on the field but also off it. We count on him,” Carvajal said.
Bellingham played a crucial role last season, particularly in the Champions League campaign that led to the final at Wembley, where Madrid defeated his former club, Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti emphasized the team’s determination to compete strongly in the Champions League once again this year. “We’re as excited as ever about this competition. Real Madrid has been a major force in it for a long time and remains so,” Ancelotti said. “The Champions League is special for us, and we will strive to compete until the end.”
