Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham may reportedly undergo a shoulder operation following the Club World Cup.
Bellingham first suffered a dislocated shoulder in 2023, but the England international did not undergo an operation to correct the issue and has instead been having rehabilitation.
The midfielder wears a heavy shoulder brace during matches, and it is understood that the issue is still causing him pain, which could lead to a big decision being made following the Club World Cup.
According to journalist Jorge Picon, Real Madrid are not ruling out the possibility of Bellingham undergoing an operation, with the window after the Club World Cup being earmarked as a possibility.
The revamped Club World Cup will run until July 13, with the operation potentially taking place after the final, should Real Madrid make it that far, but their first match in the competition will be against Al Hilal on June 18.
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Bellingham 'could undergo shoulder operation'
Bellingham has again been in strong form for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering 13 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, including eight goals and eight assists in La Liga.
Real Madrid are still on for a domestic double this season, with the capital giants preparing to tackle Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday, while they are second in the La Liga table, four points behind the Blaugrana.
Bellingham also managed three goals and three assists in 13 Champions League appearances before the Madrid giants were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals by Arsenal.
Depending on the surgery, Bellingham could be back for the start of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign, but there is a chance that he would require some weeks on the sidelines in the early stages of the season to ensure no further damage could occur.
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Could Bellingham change position at Real Madrid next season?
Much has been made of Bellingham's position in the Real Madrid team this season, as his overall performance level has been down from last term, when he thrived as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Kylian Mbappe's arrival last summer led to a change of formation, with Carlo Ancelotti moving back to a 4-3-3 in order to fit the new signing into the front three with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
However, Ancelotti is expected to leave Bernabeu at the end of the campaign, with Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso the favourite to replace him, which could lead to Bellingham being moved further forward.
For that to occur, there would potentially have to be a departure in the final third of the field, with Rodrygo's future currently being called into question.
There has also been speculation surrounding Vinicius's future, and recent reports surrounding a potential new deal for the Brazil international have allegedly been played down by the Brazil international's camp.
Matt Law
