Carlo Ancelotti confirms injured Real Madrid star will return against Atalanta in UEFA Champions League clash this week
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he expects star forward Rodrygo to be available when his side takes on Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League this week (December 10). The Spanish giants are looking to bounce back in the competition after suffering a defeat to Liverpool in their last game.
Real Madrid have been beset by injury problems this season, with a good number of their key players spending time on the treatment table. Los Blancos lost Rodrygo to a muscle problem in the build-up to their LaLiga game against Girona on Saturday shortly after the Brazilian returned from a similar injury.
Carlo Ancelotti fielded questions from the media after his side's commanding 3-0 win over last season's surprise package at the Montilivi. The Italian manager revealed that Rodrygo will be available for the side when they face red-hot Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday. He said (via Madrid Xtra on X):
"I think Rodrygo will be back for Atalanta. Mendy won't."
Brazil international Rodrygo picked up a muscle injury in his left leg last month, which caused him to miss games against Leganes and Liverpool. He featured in both of their games against Getafe and Athletic Club this month before missing out on the game against Girona.
The 23-year-old has not been in the best form of his career this season, with just three goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos. With Vinicius Jr also expected to be back for the game on Tuesday, Rodrygo will be keen to make himself available, and raise his level for his side.
Real Madrid suffer multiple injury blows in comfortable win over Girona
Real Madrid have suffered a number of injuries in the aftermath of their 3-0 win over Girona in LaLiga. Los Blancos moved to within two points of leaders Barcelona following their win in Catalunya, but lost two key players to injury during the game.
Ferland Mendy and Jude Bellingham were taken off at various points of the second half with physical issues. The former has been ruled out of their upcoming game against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, while the latter is expected to feature in Bergamo on Tuesday. The club will, however, be keeping close tabs on Bellingham, who also picked up a knock in their last Champions League game at Liverpool.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the first half before Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe scored to secure an important three points in the second half. Real Madrid now sit two points behind their rivals with a game in hand, and can go top with a win against Rayo Vallecano next weekend.