Bellingham, 21, and Real Madrid will probably finish the 2024–25 season without a trophy after losing 4–3 in the El Clásico on Sunday, May 11, putting Carlo Ancelotti’s team seven points behind Barcelona.
In addition to Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick, Fede Valverde, and Vinicius Junior, the England international started the game.
But one significant player was left out of the starting lineup.
Despite being listed as a substitute, Rodrygo did not play and has not since been brought on at halftime of Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in April. He also did not participate in the La Liga match against Celta Vigo on May 4.
Despite participating in four training sessions during the week, the Brazilian winger told the Los Blancos staff that he “didn’t feel strong or up to playing,” according to Spanish publication MARCA.
In a press conference held after the game, Ancelotti responded to questions about the situation by saying, “He had recovered, but he wasn’t feeling well.” His performance was lacking. I don’t mind him at all. He has a fever, and wearing him for five minutes while ill carries the risk of hurting him.”
On Tuesday, May 13, however, MARCA stated that the circumstances surrounding Rodrygo are “tense.”
According to the newspaper, the player has a “rift” with Vini Jr. and feels “displaced” as a result of the “media explosion” surrounding Bellingham and Mbappe’s arrivals in recent seasons.
With hints that he no longer wants to play for the team, MARCA claims that “Rodrygo is currently confined to his home, clearly angry at having lost the leading role he hoped to have alongside Vinicius.”
It is unclear if Xabi Alonso, Ancelotti’s most likely predecessor, can resolve the issue because Rodrygo would have plenty of offers if he were to depart Madrid.
Later on Tuesday morning, MARCA released an update, stating that Rodrygo had left training during the warm-up and would probably miss tomorrow’s match against Mallorca.
The 24-year-old’s Real deal expires in the summer of 2028, and he has been linked to moves to Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, all of which are in the Premier League.
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