Ancelotti: Ceballos is not leaving Real Madrid

James Shearman

• Updated: 5 Jan 2022 20:47 GMT
• 3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti is certain that Dani Ceballos will remain at Real Madrid for the remainder of the season.

Ceballos has spent the first half of the campaign on the sidelines, but Ancelotti insists he does have a part to play.

The Spaniard has been out with an ankle injury that he suffered on international duty at the Tokyo Olympics.

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However, his return to the team is imminent, having overcome the problem as well as a bout of coronavirus in recent weeks.

In fact, Ceballos was named in the Madrid squad that faced Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday

Real are looking to win the cup competition for the first time since the 2013–14 season, with rivals Barcelona dominating in recent years.

Ceballos to stay at Real Madrid?

Given Ceballos' lack of involvement, rumours of a January exit had been circling.

Domestic rivals Real Betis, third in La Liga, had reportedly shown an interest in taking him on loan until the end of the season.

But, according to Ancelotti, the 25-year-old will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the forseeable future.

Instead, Isco, who has less than a year left on his contract, could make way this month.

''I like [Ceballos} as a player, his personality, his character on the grass…he is doing well'' he said in his pre-match press conference.

''In the second half of the season, he is going to be important for us because he has the quality to be in the Madrid squad''

And should the playmaker take part against Alcoyano, it will be his first appearance for 150 days.

As such, it could be too much to ask from an impressive display that could force his way into the league of European lineups at this stage.

But, a lengthy run in the competition could provide Ceballos with the gametime he needs to return to his best.