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Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham has named four Los Blancos players who need to step up in Kylian Mbappe’s absence.

Bellingham spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s Supercopa de Espana tie with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night.

Mbappe didn’t board the plane to Saudi Arabia for the Atletico Madrid clash because of a knee injury.

However, Bellingham said the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Gonzalo Garcia, alongside himself, must step up in the absence of injured Mbappe.

The England international said (as per Madrid Xtra): “It’s down to players like myself, Vini, Rodrygo and Gonzalo to step up in the absence of Kylian’s huge influence.

“We have to do that not just with goals, but with our all-round play. I’m sure if we do that, there will be a lot of opportunities to score for whoever.”

Mbappe has been Real Madrid’s best player so far this season, scoring  29 goals and providing 3 assists in 24 games.

Mbappe: Bellingham names four Real Madrid players who need to step up

Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has been included in the Serie A Team of the Week, DAILY POST reports.

Okoye was recognised for his outstanding performance in Udinese’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus.

The goalkeeper pulled off several crucial saves, helping keep the scoreline more respectable for his team.

It is the first time the Nigerian international will make the selection this season.

Okoye has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Italian top-flight since he arrived at Udinese from Watford in 2023.

The 26-year-old has made 21 league appearances for Kosta Runjaic’s side this season.

Serie A: Okoye named in Team of the Week

Gift Orban provided an assist as Hellas Verona defeated Bologna 2-1 in their Serie A clash on Sunday.

Jonathan Rowe gave Bologna the lead four minutes after the break.

Bologna fought back with Martin Frese equalising in the 53rd minute.

Orban teed up Kieron Bowie for the winning goal four minutes later.

The Nigerian striker was replaced by Al-Musrati in the 90th minute.

The 23-year-old has now registered seven goals , and two assists for the Yellow and Blues this season.

Hellas Verona remain in 19th position on the table with 18 points from 28 matches.

Serie A: Orban provides assist in Hellas Verona’s win over Bologna