Carlo Ancelotti gives Courtois and Militão update, says Bellingham is “100%”

The Italian head coach gave updates on the fitness of Bellingham as well as long-term absentees Courtois and Militão.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press ahead of a crucial game in LaLiga against Valencia (Saturday 2 March 2024, KO 3 p.m. ET / 12 noon PT.). He commented on the fitness of Jude Bellingham, as well as that of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão.

Los Blancos go into match week 27 top of the LaLiga standings, 6 points clear of Girona in second place, with Barcelona a further 2 points behind. Despite the positive league position, Ancelotti made it clear that Madrid would not have it their own way at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.

“Madrid have always found it difficult to win there”, he said, “it’s a difficult field and the opponent is doing well. We need our best form. Carvajal, Camavinga, Joselu and Bellingham are all back. The squad is more complete... These are going to be very important points at this point in the season. Every game has a greater importance”.

On that hint dropped by the coach, he was asked specifically about Bellingham, who has been injured since Madrid beat Girona at the start of February. “He is one hundred percent, everything he has done and needed to do on an individual level is fine, he is comfortable with his ankle, he is at his best, he will play”.

Ancelotti also confirmed that Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão could be set to return next month: “the date has not been set. But we have to take advantage of the national team break and then the mini-break from the Copa del Rey. At that time they will do some work with the team. After April 14, after Mallorca, they could be ready”.

The last time Real Madrid played Valencia at Mestalla, the game was marred by a racist incident