Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham will be sidelined until at least the end of October after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. According to AS, the procedure was carried out to correct a recurrent dislocation that had troubled the 21-year-old since November 2023.
Bellingham had initially opted against surgery, choosing a rehabilitation program that allowed him to continue playing for Madrid throughout the 2023/24 season. However, the recurring nature of the injury left no alternative but to undergo an operation during the summer, ruling him out for the opening months of the new campaign.
The issue dates back to a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023, when Bellingham suffered a shoulder dislocation. At the time, Real Madrid’s medical team and the player decided against immediate surgery. Instead, he followed a tailored rehabilitation plan, which enabled him to keep contributing at club and international level. The decision paid short-term dividends, as Bellingham was able to remain a pivotal figure in Madrid’s midfield and help England in crucial matches. But the problem persisted, requiring regular treatment and management. Ultimately, the discomfort and risk of long-term damage forced him to go under the knife.
AS reports that Real Madrid has given the player additional rest days after surgery before he gradually returns to training. The club is expected to take a cautious approach with his recovery, prioritizing full fitness over rushing him back onto the pitch.Bellingham’s absence is a significant blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, the Englishman has become a central figure at the Santiago Bernabéu. His versatility, work rate, and ability to both score and create goals made him one of the standout players of last season.
Across 58 appearances in all competitions, Bellingham scored 15 goals and provided 15 assists—remarkable numbers for a midfielder in his debut season at the club. His dynamism and leadership at just 21 years old quickly won him the trust of teammates and the adoration of Madrid fans. Without him, Ancelotti will need to rely more heavily on other midfielders such as Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Luka Modrić. The depth of Madrid’s midfield is strong, but none replicate Bellingham’s unique combination of power, vision, and directness.
His absence could also affect Madrid’s attacking transitions, as Bellingham’s late runs into the box and ability to link play with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo have been crucial weapons.England manager Gareth Southgate will also be watching Bellingham’s recovery closely. With international fixtures continuing throughout the autumn, his absence could impact England’s preparations ahead of the European Championship qualifiers and Nations League commitments. Bellingham has become one of Southgate’s most trusted players, anchoring the midfield while also providing attacking support. His maturity, despite his young age, has made him indispensable to England’s system. Missing him until late October means Southgate may need to experiment with alternatives, perhaps turning to Declan Rice in a more advanced role or giving opportunities to younger talents.
Jude Bellingham’s shoulder surgery and extended recovery period mark the first major injury setback of his Real Madrid career. While fans will miss his presence on the pitch, the decision to undergo surgery now may safeguard his long-term career and prevent recurring problems.For Madrid, the challenge will be maintaining consistency without one of their most influential players.
For England, it will be about adapting until their midfield star is fit again. If all goes according to plan, Bellingham could make his return in late October, potentially just in time for Madrid’s early Champions League knockout phase and England’s key international fixtures. Until then, both club and country will need to find solutions in his absence, while supporters wait eagerly for the return of one of the brightest talents in world football.
