Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been ruled out for three months after undergoing successful surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury.
The England international dislocated his left shoulder in November 2023 during a La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, forcing him to miss four matches.
Despite the injury, Bellingham continued to play with a strapping on his shoulder, helping Real Madrid win the 2024 UEFA Champions League and representing England at Euro 2024, where they lost to Spain in the final.
The 22-year-old was scheduled to have surgery after the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. Following Madrid’s 4-0 semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the United States, Bellingham flew to London to undergo the procedure.
The timing of the surgery means Bellingham will now miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign. Real Madrid, now managed by Xabi Alonso, kick off their La Liga season against Osasuna on August 19. The club’s request to delay the fixture due to their Club World Cup involvement was rejected by La Liga authorities.
Bellingham is expected to return in October, missing at least seven league matches, including the Madrid derby against Atletico on September 28.
He will also sit out England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia in September and could miss their friendly against Wales on October 9.
