Real Madrid’s preparations for their upcoming match against Real Sociedad have been disrupted by the absence of two key players due to illness.

Rodrygo Goes is out with the flu, while Jude Bellingham is suffering from gastroenteritis. Both players are doubtful for the match at the Reale Arena on Saturday.

The news comes as a blow to manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is already without the injured Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper is making progress in his recovery and is expected to be available for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich next week.

Despite the setbacks, Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad for the Sociedad game, with the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Arda Güler potentially starting, according to Relevo. The Real Madrid boss has promised the young Turkish midfielder more playing time in the coming weeks.

With the La Liga title all but wrapped up, Ancelotti’s attention is already turning to the Champions League. His team face a daunting task against Bayern Munich, but they will be confident after their victory in the Clásico last weekend.

⚪️🇹🇷 Ancelotti: “Arda Güler? No issue, he will have the minutes he wants very soon”.

↪️ Arda has not requested to leave Real Madrid at this stage; his future will be discussed in June with several clubs already asking for potential loan move. pic.twitter.com/wXTObf3xTC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 22, 2024