Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to be out of action for up to 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder, the Spanish club confirmed on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old has been struggling with a recurrent shoulder dislocation since November 2023, sustained during a La Liga match. Despite the injury, Bellingham had continued playing with the help of a protective brace under his shirt. However, persistent discomfort and complications led to the decision to proceed with surgery after the conclusion of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign this summer.
In an official statement, Real Madrid announced: “Our player Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation. Bellingham will now begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work.”
Although the club did not specify a timeline, Spanish media sources report that the England international could be sidelined for approximately 12 weeks. This layoff means Bellingham will miss crucial fixtures, including the high-stakes La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid in late September and Real Madrid’s opening two matches of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The absence will also impact England’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Bellingham is set to miss the Three Lions’ matches against Andorra and Serbia on September 6 and 9 respectively.
Speaking during the Club World Cup, Bellingham admitted to his growing frustration with the condition: “I’ve got to the point where… I’m fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time.”
The surgery now offers a path to full recovery, with hopes that Bellingham will return in time for El Clasico against Barcelona, scheduled for late October at the Santiago Bernabéu. His absence will be a blow for both club and country, given his stellar performances since joining Madrid.
Real Madrid fans will now eagerly await the midfielder’s return as the club seeks to challenge for both domestic and European honours in the 2024/25 season.
