Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti's team will face Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed how his team's penalty taker will be decided and
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed how his team's penalty taker will be decided and confirmed the return of a star player during a prematch press conference on Tuesday.
Los Blancos take on Athletic Club in San Mames on Wednesday, at what is considered to be one of Spain's most difficult grounds to get a result in.
Providing the Catalans beat Mallorca beforehand, Madrid could be four points behind FC Barcelona at the top of the table though they still have a game in hand which is the previously postponed fixture against Valencia.
Speaking before the media, Ancelotti said that he expects a "demanding, complicated game, as always" from the Basques.
"We are going to play in a great atmosphere, against a great rival. I think we're in a good moment and we'll try to give a good version of ourselves. Athletic is doing well, intensely, [as] one of the best in Spain," the Italian explained.
Up until the Brazilian's recent injury, penalties were split between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Moving forward, it looks like we're going to see a toss up between Mbappe and Bellingham, who both scored in Sunday's 2-0 win over Getafe.
While Bellingham's strike came from the spot 10 yards out, Mbappe netted in open play which could be seen by many as a role reversal.
Asked directly if Mbappe will take a penalty in San Mames if awarded to his team, Ancelotti answered: "They will choose between Bellingham and Mbappe. This is not a matter of debate.
"Mbappe's action in the penalty against Getafe can be seen as an insecurity, and we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism. It is an act that we value very much."
After a month out, Aurelien Tchouameni will return to the fold as Ancelotti confirmed.
""He's doing very well, he's trained well, [and he's] ready to play," Ancelotti said. "We'll see tomorrow where I put him."
Given how short-staffed Los Blancos are in defense, that could indeed be at center back.
At the same time, Eduardo Camavinga has picked up a knock meaning there is a vacant space for a pivot.