Jude Bellingham is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder this week in London after battling persistent problems since late 2023. The Real Madrid midfielder first suffered the injury in November during a match against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he dislocated his shoulder. The setback initially sidelined him for four matches, but he continued to play through the pain, often wearing heavy shoulder strapping for support.
Despite managing to stay on the pitch, the injury has significantly affected his performances. After an explosive start to life at Real Madrid, Bellingham’s form gradually dipped as the season progressed. His limited range of motion and constant discomfort meant he was not playing at full capacity, even though he remained a regular in the starting lineup.
The decision to proceed with surgery comes after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, which gave him the opportunity to take advantage of a three-week recovery window. However, the procedure and rehabilitation will require much more time. Early estimates suggest Bellingham could be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks. This timeline means he is expected to return around the October international break, forcing him to miss the opening stages of the 2025/26 La Liga season, including Real Madrid’s first seven league fixtures in August and September.
For manager Xabi Alonso, Bellingham’s absence poses a significant challenge. Since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in a €103 million move in June 2023, the England international has become one of the team’s most influential players. Over two seasons, he has registered an impressive 38 goals and 28 assists in 100 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European successes.
Bellingham’s commitment to playing through pain underlines his importance to the team, but undergoing surgery now is seen as a necessary step to ensure long-term fitness and peak performance. The hope is that this procedure will fully resolve his shoulder issue, allowing him to return stronger and without the physical limitations that have hampered him in recent months.
Real Madrid fans will be eagerly awaiting his comeback, as his creativity, energy, and goal-scoring ability have been instrumental to the club’s recent dominance. If recovery goes as planned, Bellingham should be back in action for the crucial part of the season, ready to make another major impact for both club and country.
