Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni when it takes on Real Sociedad away in La Liga on Saturday night. The news broke that the previously injured players were missing from training on Friday morning, and it was swiftly confirmed by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"Tomorrow a very demanding schedule starts," the Italian said to kick off his prematch press conference in the Spanish capital.

"We want to start well. We have recovered some players. We always start with the enthusiasm and desire to compete. La Real is complicated and difficult, but we have a good feeling," he added.

When probed on the Englishman and Frenchman, Ancelotti stated: "Tomorrow they are not going to play, it is too early. We'll see if they'll be available on Tuesday in the Champions League."

Bellingham suffered a muscular injury in his right leg last month, with sources telling ESPN he would be absent until after this week's international break. The England star didn't train with his teammates at Real Madrid City on Friday morning, and neither did Tchouameni, although two more injury doubts, defenders Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy, were both present.

The absences of Bellingham and Tchouameni are a blow to Real Madrid, who are already without David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos. Despite the injuries, Ancelotti remains confident that his team can get a result against Real Sociedad.

"We have a good team, with good players. We are ready to compete," Ancelotti said.

In a 4-3-3 then, Fede Valverde will be the lone pivot providing support to Arda Guler and captain Luka Modric, who have a rare start together in the centre of the park.

Up top, it is not the same attacking trident of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo after their teammate Dani Carvajal admitted it is having problems finding the right balance.

Ancelotti also publicly attested that Vinicius is "not at his best", but he is more than content with the Brazilian. "He is not at his best, but he is very decisive for us. We are not in any hurry. The team has scored and he's being important. It's my last concern," Ancelotti stressed.

"He always works well and gives everything he has. I'm very happy with what he's doing. I can't think of always having everyone at 100%."

With this in mind, Vinicius gets the nod alongside Mbappe while Rodrygo is dropped for Brahim.

Further back down the pitch, Ancelotti at least boasts a strong defence that contains Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy from right to left.

Thibaut Courtois is the first choice goalkeeper, amid second choice shotstopper Andriy Lunin taking the surprise step of extending his contract until 2030.

Above all, the mission in Anoeta will be to get three points and move within one of La Liga leaders and bitter rivals FC Barcelona.

Key Injury Concerns for Real Madrid

The absence of Bellingham and Tchouameni is a significant setback for Real Madrid, who are already dealing with a number of injury problems. Bellingham has been a key player for Real Madrid since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and his absence will be felt in the midfield. Tchouameni has also been a regular starter, and his absence leaves Real Madrid short of options in the middle of the park. Despite the injuries, Ancelotti remains confident that his team can get a result against Real Sociedad.

Ancelotti's Approach to the Match

With Bellingham and Tchouameni out, Ancelotti will have to shuffle his pack in midfield. He is likely to start with Fede Valverde as the lone pivot, with Arda Guler and Luka Modric in attacking midfield positions. In attack, he will be hoping that Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé can find their scoring boots.

The Challenge of Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad is a tough opponent, and they will be looking to take advantage of Real Madrid's injury problems. They have lost their first two home games of the season, but they are a dangerous team with the potential to cause an upset. Real Madrid will need to be at their best to get a result at the Reale Arena.

A Tough Task Ahead

Real Madrid face a tough task in their trip to San Sebastián. They will be without a number of key players, and they are facing a team that is capable of causing an upset. However, Ancelotti is a world-class manager, and he will be looking to find a way to get a result.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid can overcome their injury problems and get a result against Real Sociedad. One thing is for sure, it will be a tough test for Ancelotti's side.

Real Madrid Starting XI Vs. Real Sociedad:

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Guler, Modric; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius

What's Next for Real Madrid?

After their trip to San Sebastian, Real Madrid will return home to host VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday. They will then have a busy week with a La Liga trip to Cadiz followed by a Champions League trip to Napoli. Ancelotti will be hoping that his team can overcome their injury problems and get through the next few weeks with a positive record.