EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 09: Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid CF at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will miss an important part of the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.
The Englishman had been experiencing discomfort for over a year and was unable to play at 100 per cent. In the end, this past July he went under the knife after Real Madrid’s elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid’s medical staff expect an absence of between three and four months. This means Bellingham’s return should take place no earlier than the end of October or early November.
It is a very significant absence for Xabi Alonso, who will be forced to construct his strongest starting eleven without the England international.
However, the big news this Friday in Valdebebas were the first images of Bellingham back working on the pitch, jogging separately from the group, reports SPORT.
Just 30 days after his operation, the Real Madrid talisman has already started preparing his return to competition. This is a big step in the right direction as far as the England international’s recovery is concerned.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 01: Jude Bellingham #5 of Real Madrid C. F. in action during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Bellingham is unlikely to return until late October. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
However, the club do not wish to rush the midfielder’s recovery in order to ensure that he can return at 100 per cent and not play with pain again.
In addition, Alonso has several players who can occupy his position, such as Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and even new signing Franco Mastantuono.
At least three months of absence means Bellingham is set to miss some crucial games for Real Madrid in the early parts of the season. Among the most important matches he could be unavailable are the two toughest of the first half of the campaign.
Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the seventh round of La Liga, with the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu scheduled on the weekend of 28 September. If the recovery timetable is met, the Englishman should not be able to take part in the derby.
In addition, the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu against Barcelona will take place at the end of October. In principle, Bellingham should arrive without problems, but after such a long absence and being out of form, he could return without being fully fit.
During these months, he will also miss the opening fixtures of the UEFA Champions League group stage, although the schedule has not yet been drawn.
Franco Mastantuono
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website