I needed this break/supporting the kids like a fan

Jude Bellingham will miss the match against Real Valladolid due to a leg injury. He is expected to be sidelined for a month and will also miss England's three club matches and two UEFA Nations League games in September. His first season at Real Madrid was fantastic, but injuries prevented him from making a storming start to the 2024 season, with shoulder and ankle problems holding him back.

“I hate nothing more than missing games but I'm trying to look on the positive side,” Bellingham said in a post on social media after learning he would have to be sidelined. Maybe my body is trying to tell me that I need more rest after a busy year. “I'm very sad, but like a fan I'll support the guys until I can join them in my best and strongest form.”

Loads of games, multiple matches and international travel are one of Carlo Ancelotti's main concerns and the Italian boss has confirmed he will rest players in mid-season to deal with this.

Read more: Ancelotti's bad news for Real Madrid; the key star of the Galaxy was injured!