Following a rather disappointing draw in their first match of the season, Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Valladolid in their next La Liga match.
Naturally, the Merengues will be looking to get the full three points this time around, however, they will be without the services of English star Jude Bellingham, who has been ruled out for a month.
The midfielder limped out of the training session when he suffered a strong blow. Initially, it was thought that the knock is not serious but it was not the case. Jude injured the plantar muscle of his right leg. This injury is said to be very rare as not everyone has the muscle Bellingham has injured.
It is also a huge setback for the club as they are to play 72 games over the course of the season and compete in as many as 6 competitions.
Arda Güler and Luka Modric are the two players in line to take the Englishman’s spot in the lineup, with the Croatian being preferred and Güler to be used as a substitute in most games.
Carlo Ancelotti would look to turn things around as soon as possible so that the absence of Jude is not felt as much. In particular, the Italian manager would hope that the frontline of Vinicius, Mbappe and Rodrygo begins firing as they have the ability to be a lethal trio and shades of it were also seen in the match against Mallorca.
On the other hand, Valladolid began their season with a slender 1-0 victory against Espanyol at home and look like an impressive side at the start of the season.
Mario Martin, who donned the Madrid jersey in the pre-season games, joined the visitors on loan and is expected to make his debut against his former club.
Valladolid will pose a challenge for Los Blancos but the men in white would be eager to turn things around and hit the ground running by securing a victory in front of the Bernabeu faithful.
