Jude Bellingham Returns as Real Madrid Receives Massive Double Injury Boost
While Barcelona's injury list has grown during this international break, Real Madrid have received encouraging news regarding the rehabilitation of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Both central midfielders participated in group training alongside their squad members on Monday, suggesting a significant boost in available personnel for Xabi Alonso.
Bellingham's unavailability was anticipated. During the off-season, the English star had an operation to address a persistent shoulder problem that has troubled him since initially injuring it in November 2023. As expected in the lead-up to Monday's training session, Bellingham made a limited comeback to practice as part of his ongoing rehabilitation process.
According to MARCA, the player is eager for a quicker comeback than originally planned, though Madrid's reorganized medical staff remain cautious about accelerating their key midfielder's return timeline.
Camavinga missed the Club World Cup due to a hamstring problem before suffering an ankle injury when he returned in August. The French midfielder has yet to feature under Alonso's management. Although Saturday's away match against Real Sociedad appears premature for both Camavinga and Bellingham, there's increasing optimism that he might be available at some stage this month.
Madrid welcome Marseille for their opening Champions League match of the campaign on Sept. 16, followed by another home encounter against Espanyol four days later. The Madrid derby versus Atlético on Sept. 27 also looms large.
Bellingham's comeback has been tentatively scheduled for the final fixture before October's international window, a meeting with Villarreal early next month. This timeline would potentially allow him to participate in a high-profile European tie against Juventus and the season's first Clásico.
Without Camavinga and Bellingham available, Alonso has opted for Arda Güler as the third midfielder alongside Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni. The slender Turkish international has experienced an inconsistent beginning to the season but continues to enjoy the new coach's confidence. How his current central position will integrate with Bellingham's eventual return is yet to be determined.