Real Madrid star likely to feature against Sevilla despite picking up knock in Intercontinental Cup final: Reports

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is reportedly likely to feature in the LaLiga game against Sevilla at the weekend despite suffering an injury in the Intercontinental Cup final. The Englishman featured for 88 minutes for Los Blancos as they claimed a 3-0 win over Pachuca to pick up their second piece of silverware this season.

Bellingham was part of Carlo Ancelotti's full-strength XI to face CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday. The 21-year-old was forced off with an apparent quadriceps injury to his right thigh, with youngster Arda Guler coming on in his place.

A report from Mundo Deportivo revealed that the club expects Bellingham to be available when Los Blancos face Sevilla on Sunday. There is a belief that the midfielder escaped serious damage to his thigh and will be good to go with a few days of rest.

Bellingham was in a great vein of form heading into the game at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, scoring in five successive appearances for Los Blancos. Despite not scoring in Qatar, the youngster was pivotal for his side, playing a part in their opener against Pachuca.

The former Borussia Dortmund man required thigh strapping following discussions with the physio and medical staff after his substitution in the final. He was, however, able to join his teammates on the field for celebrations after they lifted the trophy.

Record-breaking manager Carlo Ancelotti will be hopeful of Bellingham being fit to play against Sevilla on Sunday. Real Madrid sit third, behind rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, in the league table. The Italian manager will be keen for his side to not lose further ground in their last match of 2024.

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Real Madrid keeping tabs on Portuguese midfielder - Reports

Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Portuguese youngster Dario Essugo ahead of making a move in the summer, as per La Provincia. The 19-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with Las Palmas, scoring once in 11 league appearances for the Canary Islands club.

Essugo is on a season-long loan from Sporting CP and will return to his parent club at the end of his loan spell in Spain. He could, however, make an immediate return to Spain, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona interested in his services.

Sporting CP have set Essugo's release clause at €45 million but may sell the teenage sensation for less with negotiations. Los Blancos have yet to sign a replacement for Toni Kroos, and with Luka Modric's age, are in need of midfield reinforcement.