Jude Bellingham Faces Extended Sideline After Shoulder Surgery - Key Fixtures He'll Miss

Real Madrid have suffered a devastating injury setback just one month prior to the start of the 2025–26 campaign following Jude Bellingham's recent shoulder operation.

The 22-year-old midfielder underwent surgical intervention to address a persistent left shoulder dislocation issue but now confronts an extended recovery timeline. He is certain to be absent for the opening stages of the new season and is unlikely to feature until early October.

A rehabilitation timeframe of 10-12 weeks has been suggested for the England star, who will be greatly missed by incoming Madrid manager Xabi Alonso during the early phase of his inaugural season in charge.

With the 2025–26 La Liga fixture list now published, here are the games Bellingham is set to miss.

La Liga Fixtures Jude Bellingham Will Be Absent For at Real Madrid

Should Bellingham remain sidelined for 12 weeks following his shoulder procedure, the midfielder would return to Madrid action on October 8. This means he would be unavailable for eight La Liga fixtures, though he would be ready in time for the season's first El Clásico at the end of October.

Bellingham will be absent for Madrid's campaign opener versus Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, followed by encounters with newly-promoted Real Oviedo (A) and Mallorca (H) throughout the rest of August.

During September, Bellingham will miss clashes with Real Sociedad (A), Espanyol (H), Levante (A) and, crucially, the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid (A). Los Blancos begin October facing Villarreal (H)—the last league fixture he'll watch from the treatment room.

Will Jude Bellingham Miss Champions League Fixtures?

Although Madrid are yet to discover their league phase adversaries for the forthcoming Champions League tournament, they can be fairly confident that Bellingham will miss their initial two matches.

Madrid will commence their European campaign in mid-September, with their second league phase match scheduled for either Sept. 30 or Oct. 1.

Bellingham should be available for Madrid's third encounter on Oct. 21–22, while he won't miss any Copa del Rey or Supercopa de España action since the opening rounds of those tournaments don't begin until January 2026 for Alonso's team.

International Fixtures Jude Bellingham Will Miss for England

The opening international window of Madrid's 2025–26 season occurs in early September and Bellingham won't participate in England's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra or Serbia. The Three Lions should manage without him for those encounters.

The second international break of the campaign will take place between October 6 and 14, with Bellingham unlikely to feature in Thomas Tuchel's squad unless his rehabilitation progresses faster than anticipated. England may have to face Wales in a friendly and Latvia in World Cup qualifying without his services.