Jude Bellingham's Road to Recovery: Latest Updates on Surgery and Expected Comeback Timeline
The moment has arrived for Jude Bellingham to finally receive surgical treatment for his shoulder dislocation, which will keep Real Madrid's No. 10 sidelined for several months.
In November 2023, Bellingham sustained a shoulder problem during Real Madrid's scoreless match against Rayo Vallecano. Rather than having the operation and missing significant time in his first campaign wearing the white jersey, the England star chose to play despite the discomfort, contributing to Los Blancos' La Liga and Champions League victories.
Bellingham again decided against the procedure at the conclusion of the 2023–24 campaign, choosing instead to play for England during the Three Lions' journey to the Euro 2024 final. When the 2024–25 season began, the midfielder continued playing a demanding fixture list while using a shoulder support to handle his persistent issue.
After the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, Bellingham is now finally getting the operation to resolve his ongoing shoulder problem permanently.
Here's the current update on Bellingham's situation.
When Will Jude Bellingham Return From Injury?
Bellingham is anticipated to be unavailable for 10 to 12 weeks, according to MARCA. While Real Madrid haven't provided a precise timeline for the England midfielder's comeback, he will certainly miss the beginning of the 2025–26 campaign.
If Bellingham's rehabilitation requires the complete 12 weeks, he won't play for Real Madrid until October. During this period, the 22-year-old will miss as many as eight La Liga fixtures, including encounters with Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Atlético Madrid. The midfielder would also miss the opening of Los Blancos' 2025–26 Champions League season.
The anticipated date for Bellingham's comeback would be Real Madrid's last La Liga fixture before the October international window. Alonso's squad is scheduled to face Villarreal on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Should Bellingham heal faster than anticipated, he might target a return for the Madrid derby on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Potential Replacements for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid
Nobody can genuinely replicate what Bellingham brings to Real Madrid, but several players can attempt to fill the void. The final choice, however, will depend on which formation Alonso prefers to use.
If Alonso seeks a No. 10 to directly substitute Bellingham, then recent acquisition Franco Mastantuono represents the ideal choice. The 17-year-old possesses the vision and inventiveness to connect with Real Madrid's attackers and generate scoring chances. His left foot is also capable of providing excellent delivery from dead balls and finding the target.
Arda Güler represents another possibility, although Alonso generally favored deploying the Turkish international alongside Valverde in central midfield. If the 20-year-old assumes a more attacking position, the new Real Madrid manager would need to find Güler's replacement, probably with Eduardo Camavinga.