Jude Bellingham continued his bright form with another goal in win over Girona
He asked to be substituted in second-half ahead of crucial showdown in midweek
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By ABDI RASHID
Published: 08:16 EST, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 08:16 EST, 8 December 2024
Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update on Jude Bellingham'a fitness after he was forced off in Real Madrid's win over Girona.
Real returned to winning ways after their midweek defeat against Athletic Bilbao with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Girona.
Bellingham netted his fifth goal in as many games, with Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe also getting on the scoresheet.
However, the England star gave Real a scare as he asked to be substituted in the second-half after appearing to pick up a muscle injury ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Atalanta.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Ancelotti said: "[Bellingham's] fine, available. We had (Ferland) Mendy's muscle injury but the rest are knocks, nothing more."
With Barcelona leading the way in LaLiga for the early stages of the season, and Mbappe's introduction to life at the Bernabeu not going completely to plan, Bellingham's return to form is a welcome boost for Ancelotti.
Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update on Jude Bellingham'a fitness ahead of the clash with Atalanta
Bellingham netted his fifth goal in as many games as Real Madrid thrashed Girona 3-0
The midfielder have Los Blancos a scare when he asked to be substituted in the second half
With the scores still locked at 0-0 in the first half, Bellingham stormed into the box to fire home a piledriver of a finish past formerTottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and give his side the lead.
That goal was just reward for the Three Lions star's performance, having dominated the field in the first 45 minutes.
Bellingham created two big chances, 29 passes, completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, won both his two duels, made three clearances and scored the all-important goal in an all-round display.
Outside of the Spanish top-flight Bellingham is still yet to register his first strike, but he will undoubtedly take heart as he plays himself back into form for Los Blancos.
Last season he catapulted to the forefront of the European game off the back of a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu.
With his side winning both the Champions League and LaLiga crowns, Bellingham was arguably the best player in the side.
He scored 19 times in 28 LaLiga appearances, as well as another four in the Champions League and a further 13 assists in all competitions meant that he finished his first campaign at Real Madrid with 36 contributions in just 42 matches.
Real currenylt sit 24th in the Champions Leaue table after two wins and three defeats from their opening five games ahead of facing fifth-placed Atalanta.