Real Madrid head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has assured fans that key players Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham will be available for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
Courtois was absent during Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano due to mild discomfort in his right patellar tendon.
However, Ancelotti expects the Belgian goalkeeper to recover in time for Wednesday’s showdown.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ancelotti provided an update on both players, confirming Bellingham’s fitness and Courtois’ progress.
“Bellingham has come back in good shape. Courtois has a little problem, but I think he will recover quickly for Wednesday,” he stated.
Reflecting on Madrid’s recent performance, Ancelotti praised his team’s first-half display but acknowledged a dip in intensity after the break.
“Bellingham’s performance was good. As I said, I really liked the first half because we pressed high.
“We could have made it 3-0 after stealing possession, we played with intensity and quality. In the second half we dropped our level.”
Madrid holds a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and will need at least a draw to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
