Real Madrid Receives Injury Boosts Ahead Of UEFA Champions League Opener

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Carlo Ancelotti anticipates several players will return from injury for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Stuttgart on Tuesday. Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eder Militao are expected to be fit for the match at Santiago Bernabeu, despite Militao needing an extra day to recover.

Defender Dani Carvajal confirmed Bellingham's involvement, highlighting his importance to the team. "Jude's return is fantastic news for us. We know what he contributes with and without the ball," Carvajal stated. "We demand much more from ourselves and tomorrow is a new opportunity to continue growing."

Madrid clinched their 15th Champions League title last season by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final. They were dominant throughout the competition, trailing for only 7% of their total match time—the lowest percentage among all teams.

The squad has seen changes with former mainstays Nacho, Joselu, and Toni Kroos no longer part of the team. Additionally, Eduardo Camavinga will miss out due to injury. Forward Brahim Diaz is also sidelined amid a series of injuries that Ancelotti attributes to their demanding schedule.

Ancelotti expressed excitement about starting their title defence with Kylian Mbappe, whom he considers one of the best players in the world. "Yes, we lost Nacho and Kroos, two of our most important players. And Joselu. In exchange, one of the best players in the world is coming," Ancelotti said. "Do we have a better squad than last year? I think so."

Expanded Competitions

This season sees an expansion in all three European club competitions to 36 teams each. Real Madrid will also participate in the expanded men's 32-team Club World Cup starting next June in the United States.

Ancelotti noted that their packed calendar is challenging due to these additional commitments. "The calendar is too demanding. A new competition is coming, and we don't know how it will turn out," he said. "It may or may not be more entertaining. The fact is that we have two more games in this competition."

Ancelotti's Champions League Sentiment

The Italian manager has won the Champions League five times as a manager and twice as a player. He holds this competition in high regard both personally and professionally. "For me this competition is very special, not only for the club," Ancelotti remarked. "But it's not just that; it's the day-to-day work to get there."

"The [Champions League] will always be the same even if they change the format a little and [its relation with] Real Madrid, the same," he added. "This [year] is going to be another [chance] at history and I hope we can reach the final like last year."