Real Madrid handed boost as star joins training ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
Jude Bellingham has returned to training ahead of Real Madrid's encounter with rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday (September 24).
The in-form English superstar was absent from the squad's training session on Friday after complaining of stomach discomfort, per The Athletic. He has been Los Blancos' protagonist this season, so the La Liga giants were fretting over his availability for Sunday's Madrid derby from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
However, Bellingham was back in training on Saturday, which comes as a massive boost to manager Carlo Ancelotti. The former BvB midfielder has bagged an astounding six goals and one assist in six games across competitions since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 20-year-old has become the first Real Madrid player since Cristiano Ronaldo to score five goals in his first four games for the club. He has conjured up vital goals, including late winners in wins over Getafe (2-1) and Union Berlin (1-0).
Los Merengues are gearing up for their first clash with Atleti this season and will look to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign. Ancelotti's men have won all five league games, holding an early eight-point lead over Los Colchoneros but have played a game more.
Bellingham looks set to get his first taste of the rivalry between the two Madrid giants but shouldn't be too fazed by the occasion. He has shown maturity beyond his years and is quickly becoming one of La Liga's heroes.
Real Madrid set to make a decision over Vinicius Junior's availability against Atletico Madrid
According to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Real Madrid will decide whether Vinicius Junior can take part in the derby on Saturday (September 23). The Brazilian superstar has missed his side's last three games across competitions due to a muscle injury.
Vinicius started the season promisingly with one goal in three league games before picking up his injury. He was a standout performer for Ancelotti's side last season, bagging 23 goals and 21 assists in 55 games across competitions.
The Brazil international's recovery has been quicker than expected. He was also spotted in training with his Real Madrid teammates on Saturday, which suggests he could be available for the Atletico game.
Vinicius has a good record against Atleti, scoring one goal and providing four assists in 11 games. Ancelotti's side have performed well in his absence, but the 23-year-old's pace and agility could cause Los Rojiblancos problems at the Wanda Metropolitano.