Jude Bellingham not injured despite leg scare, claims Ancelotti

In Girona, Spain, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was substituted in the 3-0 victory against Girona due to concerns over a left thigh issue. Bellingham had been in excellent form, having scored in five consecutive league matches prior to this game. As the match progressed, he went down with cramp and requested to leave the field, prompting coach Carlo Ancelotti to replace him with Dani Ceballos with the team leading 2-0. The match continued without incident, ultimately resulting in another win for Real Madrid. Following the game, Ancelotti addressed the situation, stating that Bellingham was fine and had merely been fatigued. He emphasized that the player did not want to risk further injury in the final minutes of play, suggesting an emphasis on player welfare and being cautious. Given Bellingham's crucial contributions to the team, Ancelotti's remarks suggested that he would be available for their upcoming Champions League match against Atalanta. This availability is vital for Real Madrid as they have struggled in recent European fixtures, making Bellingham’s fitness particularly critical for the team's performance moving forward. The coach's assurance eased concerns among fans and media regarding the young midfielder's health, highlighting a proactive approach to managing player minutes and fitness as the season progresses.