Jude Bellingham looks set to feature for Real Madrid against Cádiz

Jude Bellingham is preparing to play for Real Madrid against Cádiz this weekend and has made good progress from the shoulder dislocation he suffered recently against Rayo Vallecano. The England international had to make a return trip to England to have his dislocated shoulder certified by English FA medics. With that cleared, he travelled back to Madrid and after several light sessions, he was back in full training with the rest of his team-mates on Thursday.

Two of the players lost through injury during the international break - Vinícius and Eduardo Camavinga - have already started their respective recovery processes, but they are not expected to return to action until after the Spanish Super Cup in January. Without Vinícius, only Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim are available in the forward line and without Bellingham’s 13 goals and three assists, Madrid would not be where they currently are.

Last week, after landing back from England’s headquarters, he was at Valdebebas to work with the club’s physios. He didn’t play against SC Braga despite having been included in the squad and against Valencia he was taken out of the picture at the last minute. Bellingham has stepped up the pace this week, completing his first training session 72 hours before the clash with Cádiz and could now feature in Andalusia on Sunday.

Ceballos close to return

Meanwhile, the other player who has been working hard to get to the Nuevo Mirandilla on time is Dani Ceballos. The midfielder, who has had problems with his right thigh since the day before the match against Sevilla on 21 October is in the final phase of his recovery and also trained with the squad on Thursday.

Ceballos’ return will help Carlo Ancelotti, as the only fit Madrid midfielders currently available are Fede Valverde, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.