Bellingham and Tchouameni return for Madrid's Champions League opener

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday that midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni are back from injuries as Los Blancos begin the defence of their Champions League title.

The record winner and current defending champion will face German team Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday and can look forward to the return of English international Bellingham and Frenchman Tchouameni.

Defender Eder Militao did not train on Monday, but Ancelotti said the Brazilian was also ready for the game.

“Bellingham is good, just like Tchouameni is good, and for tomorrow also Militao, who did not train today because he needed another day to recover,” said Ancelotti.

“Two important players are back, but we were also unlucky to lose another important player (Brahim Diaz).”

Bellingham, who started the season in a deeper midfield position compared to the previous season, suffered a calf injury in August that forced him to take part in four La Liga matches.

“(His return) is fantastic news, both in terms of his football contribution and beyond,” said Dani Carvajal.

“It’s great to see him back in the squad, we’re counting on him.”

The midfielder was crucial last season on the road to the Wembley final, where Madrid defeated his former club Borussia Dortmund.

Ancelotti said his team was just as hungry to win the competition this year.

“As always, we are excited to see what this competition brings us, in which this club has played such an important role for so long and will continue to do so,” added Ancelotti.

“The Champions League is something special for Real Madrid, we will try to keep up until the end.”