• England star under the weather
• Will still travel to Sociedad
• Should be ready for European tie

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Liga giants are set to face Bundesliga heavyweights in the first leg of their semi-final showdown next Tuesday. Said contest will be staged at the Allianz Arena, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side hoping to establish a lead that can be taken back to Santiago Bernabeu.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

England international Bellingham will have a crucial role to play against Harry Kane and Co, with 21 goals registered by the talented 20-year-old this season. He may be well rested for that challenge, with illness forcing him out of training heading into Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad on Friday.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Ancelotti told reporters when delivering a fitness update on his squad, with Ferland Mendy still missing with the leg soreness that kept him out of a Clasico win over Barcelona: “Bellingham had a stomach problem and Rodrygo had the flu, but they can still travel. Mendy won’t travel, he’s fine but I prefer him to stay and work for the Champions League.”

WHAT NEXT?

Real have no need to risk Bellingham, or Rodrygo, against Sociedad as they have opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the Liga table. They are now in the fortunate position of being able to rotate and place greater emphasis on a bid to collect a 15th European Cup.