Explained: Why Jude Bellingham isn't playing for Real Madrid against Las Palmas

The 20-year-old midfielder, who has made a stunning impact at Santiago Bernabeu following his €103 million (£88m/$112m) transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, has already sat out two games this season due to a shoulder injury that may yet require surgery.

Bellingham will now be absent for at least one more game in the 2023-24 campaign as a result of his disciplinary record. When lining up against Almeria – a game that saw him convert from the penalty spot and tee up a 99th-minute winner for Dani Carvajal – the Three Lions star collected his fifth booking of the season. As a result, he must serve a one-match ban, meaning he is absent from Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI on Saturday.

Bellingham has registered 18 goals for Real Madrid this season, alongside eight assists, but has also picked up nine cautions in all competitions. The most recent of those, which has earned him a suspension, came deep into stoppage-time against Almeria as he sought to see the game out.

Ancelotti has therefore had to shuffle his pack for their trip to Las Palmas. Los Blancos have only suffered one defeat against the opponents from the Canary Islands, through eight previous meetings, and will be confident of keeping their La Liga title bid on track even with Bellingham unavailable.