In May, reports emerged indicating that Jude Bellingham, the talented England midfielder, would be undergoing a surgical procedure once his club, Real Madrid, concluded its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. This procedure has been a long time coming due to a persistent shoulder injury that Bellingham has been grappling with since 2023. Throughout this period, Bellingham has relied on strapping to manage the injury, but it has become increasingly clear that a surgical solution is necessary to ensure his long-term fitness.
Real Madrid’s busy schedule has contributed to delays in Bellingham’s surgery. The club was involved in several high-stakes tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League and the Euro 2024 competition held in Germany last summer, followed by their participation in the Club World Cup. Spanish sports media outlet, Sport, has reported that Bellingham may be sidelined from action until at least mid-October. The rehabilitation plan following surgery is expected to span approximately three months, though there is no guarantee that the recovery timeline will adhere strictly to this schedule. There is a possibility that his rehabilitation could extend to four months, which would significantly impact his participation in Xabi Alonso’s inaugural La Liga season as head coach.
If Bellingham manages to recover within the initial three-month period, he stands a chance of returning to the pitch in time for a crucial La Liga match against Getafe on October 19. However, should his rehabilitation take longer than anticipated, the young midfielder would have to forgo the highly anticipated El Clasico showdown against Barcelona at the Bernabeu on October 26. A return in mid-November could see him back for Real’s encounter against Elche on November 23, with a fortunate timing of no domestic fixtures in the preceding weekend due to an international break.
Compounding the significance of his injury recovery is the prospect that he could miss the opening rounds of the Champions League group phase, which is scheduled to commence on September 16. Bellingham enjoyed a standout season last year, netting 14 goals; however, it ended on a disappointing note for the club that was unable to secure any major trophies during Carlo Ancelotti’s final season before he departed to manage the Brazilian national team. Meanwhile, Barcelona emerged victorious in the La Liga title race, and Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
Analysing the matches Jude Bellingham could miss for Real Madrid provides insight into the potential impact of his absence. The list is extensive and includes La Liga clashes against Osasuna (August 19), Oviedo (August 24), Mallorca (August 30), and several more crucial fixtures leading through to the match against Barcelona on October 26. Additionally, he could potentially miss out on key Champions League matches, such as those scheduled for September 16-18 and October 21-22, as well as matches in early November.
For the England national team, Bellingham’s ongoing recovery might affect his availability for important World Cup qualifying matches, including fixtures against Andorra on September 5, and a notable matchup against Serbia on November 13. His absence in such critical games could hinder England’s quest for qualifying success.
In conclusion, Jude Bellingham’s surgical intervention and rehabilitation process present a significant narrative for both Real Madrid and the England national team as they navigate their respective campaigns. His potential absence could prove pivotal not only in La Liga fixtures but also in the Champions League and international competitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Bellingham’s recovery unfolds and whether he can return to the pitch sooner than expected.
