Real Madrid handed major injury boost as 4 key players pass fitness test for Super Cup final against Barcelona: Reports 

Real Madrid have been handed a major injury boost, as four key players passed their fitness tests ahead of the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona. According to a report from journalist Melchor Ruiz (via Madrid Universal), Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Luka Modric are all fit.

Notably, Bellingham and Valverde endured knocks during their semi-final clash in the competition. Los Blancos beat Mallorca 3-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on January 9, but the clash affected the fitness of some of their players. Aside Bellingham and Valverde, Tchouameni had to be substituted after receiving a blow to the head during the match.

Luka Modric did not even partake in the game, as he was ill. However, ahead of Sunday's (January 12) El Clasico against Barcelona at the same stadium, all four players will be available. Each player has been instrumental to Real Madrid this season, making this boost a source of delight for manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite Modric's age, the 39-year-old midfielder has remained a big part of Ancelotti's side. This season, he has already played 19 league games, scoring once and providing three assists. Tchouameni has played 15 league games this season, often successfully deputizing in centre-back due to the club's injury situation.

Federico Valverde has been remarkable in forward areas for Los Blancos, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 19 league games. The same could certainly be said for Jude Bellingham, who found the net seven times and assisted five goals in 15 league games.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti speaks ahead of Barcelona clash

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken to the press ahead of their Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona this Sunday. Los Blancos are coming in to the clash on a bounce of five wins in a row. Indeed, they have not lost a match since December 4, when Athletic Bilbao beat them 2-1.

Despite going into the Supercopa final in strong form, Carlo Ancelotti expects a tough game from Barcelona. The manager told the press (via Sports Illustrated):

"We're in good shape, we're hungry and excited. The issues we had during the Mallorca game have been resolved and we have all our players available.

"We're really excited for this one and the confidence we have going into every final will be crucial. Barcelona is a historic rival and these games are always hard-fought and tough for both sides. We'll try and do all we can to win another trophy."

Barcelona have struggled to impress in recent games, picking up two wins and two losses in their last four matches. However, their rivalry with Real Madrid could come to the fore, ahead of their poorer form, in the upcoming El Clasico clash.