Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the immediate future of two of his best young players ahead of Tuesday's important Champions League clash with Atalanta.
Though the young Turk has started two of Madrid's last three games, and even netted in a 3-0 win over Girona on Saturday, both Arda Guler and Endrick have been linked to possible moves away from the club in January amid a general lack of minutes.
MARCAreported on Sunday that Endrick had closed the door to a potential exit, and Ancelotti effectively did that with comments made at a prematch press conference on Monday.
"Endrick stays here, as does Guler," Ancelotti stated, when asked why the teenagers didn't play more and if they will be shipped out at the turn of 2025.
"They may need more minutes, but I don't have prejudices with anyone. I only try to put the best in every game, whether they are 18 or 40 years old.
"Sometimes it can be this with Endrick, with Guler or without them. You have to be patient with young people, yes. They bring enthusiasm but, because they are young, they also have to learn certain things.
"I don't have prejudices against young people: in my career I've put 17 or 18-year-olds in, if I thought it was the right thing to play the games," Ancelotti reminded us.
With Vinicius a surprise addition to the matchday squad and arriving back ahead of schedule from an injury, Ancelotti wouldn't say whether the Brazilian will start in Bergamo.
"He's ok. Today's training will be very important, like with Rodrygo. [Jude] Bellingham is fine, 100%. The only doubts are Vinicius and Rodrygo. After training, we will decide," Ancelotti explained.
On what has changed with Bellingham, who went on a long drought at the start of the season but has now netted in each of his last five games, Ancelotti claimed it is "little".
"What has changed is the dynamic of the team: now we have more mobility up front and he takes advantage of this. He scored, of course and that's important, but his attitude is the same."