Real Madrid are sweating on the availability of Jude Bellingham as they prepare for one of the biggest games of their season.
Their talismanic midfielder has been the standout performer for Los Blancos and was key in their win against Benfica in the last round of the Champions League
Reports from Spain suggest that Bellingham has been struck down by gastroenteritis.
This illness prevented him from participating in the final training sessions before Real Madrid’s domestic fixture against Real Sociedad.
While the club hoped it was a 24 hour bug, the timing is far from ideal with the Champions League semi-final looming large on the horizon.
Potential impact on Arbeloa’s tactics
If Jude Bellingham is unable to start or is not at 100 percent fitness, it changes the dynamic of the Real Madrid midfield entirely.
Arbeloa has relied heavily on the Englishman’s ability to late-arrive in the box and his incredible work rate in the transition from defense to attack.
Without him, the creative burden will fall more heavily on the shoulders of Vinicius Jr or the energy of Federico Valverde.
However, replacing the physical presence and goal scoring threat that Bellingham provides is almost impossible.
Bayern Munich are known for their high intensity at home, and losing a player of Bellingham’s caliber would be a significant boost for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Will Jude Bellingham recover in time?
The medical staff at Valdebebas are working around the clock to ensure the 20 year old is ready for the flight to Germany.
Gastrointestinal issues can be unpredictable, often leaving players dehydrated and lacking the energy required for 90 minutes of elite knockout football.
Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the extra rest over the weekend allows the midfielder to regain his strength.
Bellingham has already proven this season that he is a big game player, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League and El Clasico.
Having him on the pitch at the Allianz Arena is vital if Madrid want to take a positive result back to the Bernabeu for the second leg.
A massive week for the English star
This injury scare comes at a frustrating time for Jude Bellingham, who was looking forward to returning to Germany to face his former Bundesliga rivals.
Since moving to the Bernabeu, he has become the face of this new look Madrid side and a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
The next 48 hours will be decisive. If Bellingham can return to light training by Sunday, there is a high probability he will travel with the squad.
If the symptoms persist, Ancelotti may have to gamble on a different system to contain a Bayern Munich team desperate to save their season with European glory.
