Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been advised to undergo shoulder surgery this summer which will keep him out for around three months.
Bellingham dislocated his shoulder back in 2023, but opted against surgery with it being so early in his spell at the Bernabeu.
In the two years since, Bellingham has played through the pain barrier, making his overhead kick goal against Slovakia at Euro 2024 for England even more spectacular.
Bellingham is not expected to take any time off prior to the surgery though, because the Club World Cup is on the horizon, and the operation will not take place until after the conclusion of the competition in July.
© Imago
Bellingham to miss the start of 2025-26
Correspondents Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana who cover Real Madrid for the Athletic have revealed that Bellingham will stay in the USA after the Club World Cup for surgery to rectify his shoulder issue.
The recovery time is set to be quite substantial, as the report states that Bellingham will be missing for the following 12 weeks, meaning he will miss a large chunk of the remainder of 2025.
This summer's competition in the United States could see Real Madrid in action up until July 13, meaning a return may not be on the cards for Bellingham until the second half of October at the earliest.
That could see Bellingham miss around 10 La Liga matches to start the campaign, but the effect may be minimised by the fact that there will be two international breaks tucked in during that time.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will not be best pleased with the news though, as he has very limited time to work with the Three Lions ahead of next year's World Cup, and he will most probably be without Bellingham for their next four qualifiers, starting with Andorra in June and September, Serbia a few days later, and Latvia in October.
© Imago
Could Bellingham's injury affect Real Madrid's transfer business?
Much has been made about the depth in Real Madrid's squad this season, especially at the back, and the lack of options available after a few injuries hit.
Outside of the starting XI, there are not many senior members available, after the departure of more than a few important squad players over the past few years, but the lack of those coming in, with all of their budget being spent on Kylian Mbappe last summer.
Bellingham's absence in midfield will be notable for whoever comes in to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, and it could set Los Blancos back slightly at the beginning of the campaign as they seek to wrestle Spanish supremacy back off Barcelona.
VOTE IN THE 2024-25 SPORTS MOLE READERS' AWARDS!
Voting is now open for the annual Sports Mole Readers' Awards, where you can pick your player of the season, manager of the season, signing of the season and much more.
Click here to make your selections, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 26!
Andrew Delaney
