Jude Bellingham's Road to Recovery: When Will Real Madrid's Star Midfielder Make His Comeback?
A timely injury spared Jude Bellingham from facing the frustration of Real Madrid supporters on Sunday, as the Santiago Bernabéu crowd once more voiced their displeasure toward several of the club's star players.
Álvaro Arbeloa's team came into their recent La Liga match following a 4–2 loss to Benfica midweek, a outcome that now sets up a two-legged playoff against José Mourinho's squad for a place in the Champions League knockout stage.
As a former pupil of Mourinho, Arbeloa has taken a different approach compared to his ex-mentor. Where Mourinho was prepared to challenge Madrid's biggest names during his three years in charge, Arbeloa, following Xabi Alonso's short stint, has been overly accommodating toward them.
The outcomes have therefore been disappointing, and the current coach must now adapt to losing Bellingham. The setback suffered by the English midfielder against Rayo Vallecano is expected to sideline him for several weeks ahead.
What Injury Does Bellingham Have?
What Injury Does Bellingham Have?
Bellingham medical report.
Bellingham was about to connect with a through ball past Rayo's backline when he felt his left hamstring strain. The midfielder grabbed the rear of his thigh and dropped to the ground, wiping away tears while his colleagues comforted him.
Offering additional details, Real Madrid announced Bellingham "has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg."
The organization confirmed that the complete scope of Bellingham's injury remains undisclosed. Arbeloa, who described the Englishman as a "foundation of Real Madrid's future" recently, stated his absence would represent a "major blow" for Los Blancos, who trail La Liga titleholders and current frontrunners Barcelona by just one point.
When Will Bellingham Return From Injury?
When Will Bellingham Return From Injury?
Bellingham's comeback timeline will hinge on how serious his hamstring problem proves to be. A minor pull or Grade 1 injury might allow him to return within just two weeks, but anything more serious will keep him out for at least four weeks. Regrettably, that seems to be the situation now.
A Grade 2 injury might keep Bellingham out for up to eight weeks, while a Grade 3 injury would necessitate surgery and put his World Cup participation in jeopardy. A total tear requires months of rehabilitation.
The initial signs suggest Bellingham hasn't sustained the most severe damage, calming England fans' concerns. However, Madrid are set to be without their influential midfielder for most, if not the entirety, of February.