Jude Bellingham makes big announcement ahead of crunch Real Madrid and Barcelona showdown
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Jude Bellingham is set to start for Real Madrid in crunch Barcelona showdown
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Jude Bellingham has announced he's fit for Saturday's exciting showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The England international scored his 11th goal for Los Blancos in midweek as they battled their way to victory over Braga.
Real ran out 2-1 winners, with Bellingham scoring his side's second goal after an opener from Brazilian star Rodrygo.
In the closing stages of the match, however, Carlo Ancelotti's side were handed a scare.
Jude Bellingham has declared himself fit for Real Madrid's crunch showdown with Barcelona
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Bellingham appeared to be suffering with a groin problem and ended up coming off the field.
Real can't afford to be without the 20-year-old as they look to boost their chances of La Liga glory.
And Bellingham, speaking to TVE, has announced he's fit and raring to go for the match.
“I will be ready and available for El Clasico," said the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund star.
It will be Bellingham's first El Clasico appearance.
Real and Barcelona have long had a fierce rivalry dating back more than 120 years.
And Ancelotti's side will be out to prove they're capable of winning La Liga, having missed out on the trophy last season.
Real have made a strong start to the season, winning 10 of their first eight league matches.
Barcelona, in comparison, have won seven matches.
But victory for the Catalan giants would see them leapfrog Real, though Girona could also soar to the top of the table as well.
Some weren't sure what to expect from Bellingham when he moved to the club.
Having played for Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund previously, it was always going to be a big step up.
But Bellingham has netted eight goals and clocked up two assists from just nine league appearances so far.
He's scored one more goal than Atletico Madrid hitman Antoine Griezmann.
And Bellingham is also two clear of Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, too.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has urged Bellingham to 'play the game' during his time at the Bernabeu.
Bale won five Champions League titles during his stint at the Bernabeu.
However, he was often criticised by fans who felt he was too preoccupied with golf to focus on football..
Now, speaking on A League of their own, Bale has sent advice to the youngster.
"My biggest advice: play the game at Madrid," he told the show.
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Jude Bellingham has been told to 'play the game' as Real Madrid's crunch showdown with Barcelona nears
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"Because if you don't play the game and do what the media wants, speak to them - basically be a puppet - you do get a lot of stick.
"You'll see a lot of the Galacticos act like Galacticos, they do what the press want and they play the game of being at Real Madrid.
"That's probably why it was a bit of a downfall for me."
He added: "I didn't want to do it. I just wanted to play football and go home, so it probably hindered me and that made them [the media] attack me a bit more.
"My advice would be to play the game of being at Real Madrid off the field."