When Jude Bellingham did not quickly leap back to his feet against Rayo Vallecano, the Santiago Bernabeu became silent.
As Bellingham groggily returned to the pitch, there was a collective breath. Despite this, he winced for the rest of the goalless draw, notably while taking an ill-advised throw-in.
Almost no team in Spain has been able to contain the unstoppable 20-year-old, but injuries may derail even the greatest.
Here are the most recent reports on Bellingham’s fitness and how much longer Real Madrid and England supporters will have to wait.
When will Jude Bellingham return from injury?
Jude Bellingham suffered a shoulder injury against Rayo | Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Carlo Ancelotti’s instant reply to Bellingham’s criticism was usually upbeat. “I don’t think it’s anything serious,” the Italian said before even taking the first scan.
The first examination revealed that Bellingham had dislocated his shoulder when tumbling on the ground while chasing Isi Palazon’s gleaming scalp. Despite a few mesmerizing pirouettes, it was Bellingham’s quietest appearance in a Madrid jersey. The absence of danger from the rest of his teammates called into question Ancelotti’s pre-match prediction that Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo would outscore Bellingham and Joselu.
Bellingham was named to Braga’s Champions League bench after a late check on November 8. As Madrid raced into a 3-0 lead within the first hour, putting a stop to the rising shouts of ‘Bellingham-dependencia,’ the Englishman was forced to sit out the remainder of the game.
Ancelotti had great expectations for Bellingham’s participation against Valencia in Madrid’s penultimate encounter before the international break in November. “Unless something strange happens,” said Madrid’s coach, “he will play.”
Something unusual seems to have occurred. Madrid issued an official statement only hours before Valencia’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, throwing their number five out of the competition. Bellingham had been “diagnosed with a case of anterior instability of the left shoulder as a result of his recent dislocation,” according to the club.
Bellingham was in the seats with his mother Denise, watching Rodrygo and Vinicius combine for four goals in a 5-1 rout of Valencia.
Will Jude Bellingham play for England during the November international break?
In his past two England appearances, Jude Bellingham has directly contributed to three international goals. Photographer: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Gareth Southgate has little confidence in his players’ club medical departments. Despite missing Arsenal’s last game before the October break, Bukayo Saka was examined by England’s medics. Bellingham is anticipated to go through the same ordeal, but he will have to travel farther than Saka, who is located in London.
Following Madrid’s decisive win against Valencia, Ancelotti said unequivocally that Bellingham would not play in England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia later this month.
“He will be evaluated, but I expect him to return [to Spain] soon,” the Italian said on Saturday, November 11. “If he didn’t play today, he won’t be able to play for England.” He has to undertake special exercises to strengthen his shoulder, which he will do in the following weeks.”
Ancelotti also said, “After the international break, I think he will be able to play again.” His optimism in Bellingham’s ability to recover has before been proved incorrect.
