Ancelotti likely to rest Real Madrid talisman vs Valencia, has two options to replace him | OneFootball

Real Madrid will square off against Valencia in a matter of few hours at the Santiago Bernabeu, aiming to grab a victory and go level on points with league leaders Barcelona.

Heading into the game, however, manager Carlo Ancelotti has some major selection decisions to make considering the fatigue from their extra-time ordeal in midweek against Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey.

Moreover, Real Madrid take on Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final next week and the manager will also have an eye on that game before setting out his team.

Rest for Jude Bellingham

As such, AS reports that there is a strong likelihood that Ancelotti will be resting Real Madrid talisman Jude Bellingham today against Valencia.

The England international is a permanent fixture in the starting lineup when fit and available and, along with Federico Valverde, is a player that Ancelotti prefers to rotate very little.

Rest for Bellingham? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, Bellingham took some hits and showed signs of fatigue after exerting himself for 120 minutes in midweek against Real Sociedad in the cup tie, in which he was also on the scoresheet.

As such, the game against Valencia could be the ideal opportunity for Ancelotti give his talismanic midfielder a break, so that he arrives for the Arsenal encounter fresher and in a better shape.

Two possible replacements

In case Ancelotti decides to go down that route, he has two options to replace Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup today.

Both Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler are waiting in the wings, ready to pounce on their chance should it present itself against Los Che.

Brahim has always been the go-to man for Ancelotti every time he has opted to rotate one of his main attackers. Meanwhile, Guler started in the last league game against Leganes.

So, there are options for the Real Madrid coach if he opts to give Bellingham a much-needed breather against Valencia.