Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Jude Bellingham is a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Braga at Bernabeu.
The England international has been in exceptional form for Los Blancos this term, scoring 13 goals and registering three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions.
Bellingham was able to play the full 90 minutes against Rayo Vallecano in the league on Sunday, but he suffered a blow to his shoulder in the early stages of what proved to be a goalless draw.
The summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund was able to take part in training on Tuesday, but he did not finish the session, with Ancelotti remaining cautious over his involvement against Braga.
"Jude Bellingham? I don't know if he will play. I will decide tomorrow. He didn't complete the training to avoid knocks but he feels better," Ancelotti told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
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Real Madrid have won all three of their Champions League matches this season against Union Berlin, Napoli and Braga to sit at the top of Group C on nine points.
Los Blancos only need a point on Wednesday to secure their spot in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, so a start for Bellingham would be a surprise under the circumstances.
"Winning tomorrow is important. We know Braga is a great team and we will need to give the maximum," Ancelotti told reporters before being asked about the potential winners of the competition this term.
"Who will win the Champions League? No big surprises, always the same. The level of the big teams is always there, PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), Bayern [Munich], [Manchester] City. The Spanish teams will all fight for the title."
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Ancelotti also addresses the situation surrounding Brahim Diaz, who has found it difficult to secure action this season following his return from a loan spell at AC Milan.
The Real Madrid head coach insisted that Diaz "will have minutes" in the coming weeks and suggested that he could be involved in some capacity against Braga.
"I always talk to him. He didn't have minutes but I know he can help the team. The competence is very high here. He will have minutes, maybe tomorrow or next games," said the head coach.
"I have read many things, I have no problem with him. He's special because he played at Milan."
Diaz, 24, has made nine appearances for Real Madrid this season, scoring once, but he has only featured from the first whistle on one occasion, which came against Las Palmas in La Liga at the end of September.
Matt Law
