Real Madrid manager’s single-biggest dilemma ahead of derby against Atletico | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham made his return from injury in Real Madrid’s clash against Espanyol when he entered the field for just two minutes.

He then continued his progression from the setback in the team’s next game vs Levante, when he played 20 minutes coming off the bench.

Now, as Real Madrid stare at a crucial clash against Atletico Madrid in the eye for this weekend, Xabi Alonso has serious doubts about the extent to which he must include Bellingham on the night.

After all, there is little to no doubt that the player is heavily counted on by Alonso but the dilemma that exists in the coach’s mind is over his physical preparedness to play such a high-intensity game.

The big question

As relayed in a recent report by AS, Alonso is in a massive dilemma over whether or not to start Bellingham against Atletico Madrid.

The big factor that prevents him from handing the Englishman the de facto starting role is the player’s lack of preparedness on a sporting level given that he is not match fit and has not yet started a game after returning from injury.

Jude Bellingham has recently returned from injury. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

In terms of his injury and recovery from the setback, the player is at 100% and it is clear that he faces no pain in the affected shoulder that underwent surgery. After all, 71 days have passed since his operation and the recovery is complete.

As a result of the big question in his mind, the manager faces a second related dilemma – over who to drop between Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono should he opt to give Bellingham a starting role. Only two of the three players can logically start.

With three days remaining for the derby, Alonso’s doubts are warranted and the player will not be given a role from the first minute in all likelihood.

After all, it is said that Alonso has already had the conversation with the player and that Bellingham understands his minor role on the night.