Real Sociedadvs.Real Madrid

Bellingham has only played twice for Los Blancos this season, missing their last three La Liga matches, due to a calf problem which he suffered during a training session towards the end of August.

Initially, it had been thought that the England international would be absent until the end of September, but according to journalist Mario Cortegana, Real Madrid are now hoping that he will be able to feature against Real Sociedad on September 14.

Bellingham had an outstanding 2023-24 campaign for Real Madrid after joining from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 23 goals and registering 13 assists in 42 appearances, but he will be playing in a deeper role this term due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Bernabeu.

The 21-year-old's return would be a huge boost for Real Madrid, and the Spanish and European champions are also expected to have Ferland Mendy and Aurelien Tchouameni available for the clash.

Bellingham, Mendy, Tchouameni 'all expected to face Real Sociedad'

Both Mendy and Tchouameni pulled out of the France squad due to minor injuries, but the pair will allegedly be available for selection against Real Sociedad next weekend.

Eduardo Camavinga, though, is expected to be out until the end of September due to the knee injury which he suffered in training ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta BC.

Dani Ceballos will also be missing until the latter stages of the year with a serious ankle problem, while David Alaba is still on the sidelines due to the ACL injury which he suffered towards the end of 2023.

Joan Martinez and Jacobo Ramon are also on the treatment table for Real Madrid, while the club suffered a further fitness blow on Thursday.

Militao facing spell out with thigh problem

Indeed, Eder Militao was forced to pull out of the Brazil squad to a thigh issue, and it is understood that the centre-back will now be missing for the next couple of weeks.

Tchouameni could therefore be required to play alongside Antonio Rudiger in the middle of the defence against Real Sociedad, with Real Madrid seriously short in that area of the field.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have struggled to show their best form in the early stages of the new season, but they entered the international break off the back of a 2-0 success over Real Betis, and a total of eight points from four matches has left them second in the La Liga table, four points behind the leaders Barcelona.