Carlo Ancelotti provides update on Jude Bellingham after Real Madrid injury scare

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti played down concerns over the fitness of Jude Bellingham ahead of this week's decisive Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

Bellingham missed the first leg of the 'Euro derby' through suspension and had been forced to sit out two domestic games due to further disciplinary issues before making his belated return against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The England international was thrust straight back into the starting XI and helped his side earn a 2-1 win, but was forced off in the 86th minute after receiving medical treatment on the pitch.

Bellingham wasn't Madrid's only injury concern. Thibaut Courtois was a surprising omission from the matchday squad after complaining about a knee problem. Once again, Ancelotti allayed fears about the availability of his first-choice goalkeeper. "Courtois will recover quickly for Wednesday," he revealed.

Federico Valverde's fitness has been managed cautiously. The durable Uruguayan was only called upon for the final quarter of Sunday's victory - as Ancelotti unashamedly admitted: "When I want to defend, I take off the forwards, it's not a problem for me." - ahead of Wednesday's second leg against Atletico.

Valverde was in brilliant form during last week's tie at the Bernabeu, tirelessly patrolling the entire right flank despite suffering from discomfort. When asked about his fitness this week, the Uruguayan insisted: "I'm happy, delighted. Mentally I'm calm with what we're doing physically to recover my body."

Real boast a slender 2-1 advantage heading to Atletico's Metropolitano Stadium in midweek. Ancelotti promised a "full throttle" performance in his side's continued bid to defend their continental crown.

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