Jude Bellingham Sidelined with Injury Ahead of Key Matches
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has suffered a calf injury during training, just over two weeks before England begins their Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. The 21-year-old, a pivotal player when Real clinched the Champions League and La Liga titles last season, was unable to complete the training session on Friday. This is prepared by SSP.
Following medical examinations, Real Madrid confirmed Bellingham has a plantaris muscle injury in his right leg and is expected to be out until late September. Consequently, he will miss Real's upcoming La Liga match against Real Valladolid, as well as the initial Nations League fixtures under interim England manager Lee Carsley.
In his social media posts, Bellingham expressed his frustration, saying, "There's nothing I hate more than missing games, but maybe my body needs a bit more rest after a busy year. I'll be supporting the lads like a fan until I'm back at my best."
Real Madrid issued a statement indicating that Bellingham underwent medical tests on Friday and that his progress will be monitored. Reports in Spain suggest his absence will last several weeks, ruling him out of both club and international duties.
Real's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who uncharacteristically shifted his media briefing, clarified it was to allow for a behind-closed-doors training session at Santiago Bernabeu, particularly to adjust to the newly replaced pitch. He dismissed the notion that the schedule change was related to Real’s recent 1-1 draw against Mallorca, where he sought improved performances from his attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bellingham.
Ancelotti mentioned the necessity for a more balanced team performance, emphasizing that the forwards need to contribute more defensively. He assured fans that Mbappe’s home debut would receive an enthusiastic response and be a memorable event at a sold-out Bernabeu.
Carsley, who succeeded Gareth Southgate following his resignation post-Euro 2024, will name his squad on August 29 and lead with assistance from former England left-back Ashley Cole, ex-centre-back Joleon Lescott, and the Football Association's head of coaching, Tim Dittmer. Bellingham’s injury has cast a shadow over these preparations, but both the club and the national team await his return in peak form.