Midfielder a doubt but Eder Militao expected back in from the outset
Real Madrid are not sure whether Jude Bellingham is fit enough to make the starting XI for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The England midfielder is expected to start on the bench as he continues to regain match sharpness following recent injury setbacks. Coaching staff are concerned he is not yet ready to handle the intensity required from the outset in such a high-stakes fixture.
Bellingham has been a key figure in Madrid’s campaign this season but has struggled with injuries. His condition means manager Alvaro Arbeloa will consider alternative midfield options for a game on Tuesday made all the more important by Madrid’s shock defeat to Real Mallorca on Saturday.
There is more encouraging news in defence, however, with Eder Militao set to return to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury absence. The Brazilian made a 30-minute appearance against Mallorca, where he scored an equaliser with two minutes remaining in normal time, only for Madrid to concede again in stoppage time. But his performance suggests he is ready to resume a full role.
Barring any late setbacks, Militao is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence as Madrid prepare for a crucial European encounter. Defeat to Bayern would mean that Madrid face the prospect of a second season without silverware.
