Real Madrid latest injury update before Real Sociedad: Bellingham, Militão…

Carlo Ancelotti could have a selection dilemma in Saturday’s LaLiga game, with Bellingham and Tchouaméni possibly joining Camavnga and Ceballos on the sidelines.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have his injury problems to seek ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga game away to Real Sociedad (kickoff at 3pm ET). Eight first-team players are struggling with various fitness issues, including key men Jude Bellingham, Eder Militão and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Militão could face Real Sociedad, Bellingham and Tchouaméni unlikely

Militão, who suffered a thigh muscle injury while on international duty with Brazil, appears to be in with the best chance of being involved in the Basque Country. However, there is less optimism surrounding Bellingham and Tchouaméni, which could leave Ancelotti with only three central midfielders available. Eduardo Camavinga (knee) and Dani Ceballos (ankle) are expected to miss out.

On Thursday, what happens in the treatment room will be just as important as what goes on in the training session. Club insiders say Bellingham and Tchouaméni have little chance of featuring, particularly the Frenchman.

If they are both ultimately ruled out, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric and Arda Güler is the most likely midfield trio; the only three that are available. That would see the Uruguayan play a deeper role and have more defensive duties than usual.

Eder Militão’s race against the clock

When Militão suffered his injury on September 5, the Brazilian Soccer Federation (CBF) initially said that thought he would miss two weeks of action. But tests carried out after he arrived in Madrid showed the issue was less serious and that he would be sidelined for just a week. The defender has undergone lots of physio work, along with plenty of rest. His determination to be ready to play means that it could happen, although it has yet to be confirmed.

On Wednesday, Militão trained with the rest of his teammates and even did some ball work, which he is expected to step up further on Thursday. How he feels afterwards will be the key to his involvement.

Real Madrid’s fatigue concern ahead of busy schedule

That, however, isn’t the end of it.

Real Madrid are worried about how their three other Brazilians (Vinicius, Rodrygo and Endrick) are feeling in terms of fatigue. None of them are injured, which means at least one of them should start against Real Sociedad. However, there is concern over the wear and tear of travelling to South America, as well as the psychological strain of another difficult international break for Brazil.

Saturday’s game is the start of a hectic schedule for Madrid, who face seven fixtures in 23 days. This season, they could play as many as 72 games. Plenty of squad rotation is expected in the next few weeks, but not in San Sebastián. Mainly because, unless something drastic changes, there won’t be enough bodies to rotate.