Madrid, Spain– Real Madrid’s influential midfielder, Jude Bellingham, is set for a significant spell on the sidelines, with the club announcing on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, that he has successfully undergone surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation. The procedure, though successful, is expected to sideline the 22-year-old for up to 12 weeks, presenting a considerable challenge for both his club and country.
Significant Absences for Club and Country
Bellingham’s recovery timeline means he will miss crucial matches at the start of the 2025-26 season. For Real Madrid, this includes:
- The highly anticipated LaLiga visit to face rivals Atletico Madrid in late September. This derby fixture is always a litmus test, and Bellingham’s absence will undoubtedly be felt in the midfield battle.
- The club’s first two UEFA Champions League matches. As a vital component of Real Madrid’s European aspirations, missing the initial group stage encounters could impact their early standing in the competition.
- He is also expected to miss the opening eight La Liga matches, including the season opener against Osasuna on August 19.
On the international stage, England manager Gareth Southgate will be without one of his key players for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra on September 6 and Serbia on September 9. These matches, crucial for England’s path to the 2026 World Cup, will require the Three Lions to adapt without their dynamic midfielder.
Long-Awaited Procedure for Prolonged Discomfort
Bellingham has been battling persistent shoulder discomfort since dislocating it in a LaLiga match in November 2023. Since then, he has bravely played with a brace under his shirt, often visibly “fed up” with the hindrance, as he stated during the recent Club World Cup. The decision to undergo surgery was strategically delayed until after Real Madrid’s participation in the Club World Cup this summer, where Xabi Alonso’s side reached the semifinals. This highlights Bellingham’s commitment to his team, even at personal discomfort, but also signals the severity and ongoing nature of the issue that necessitated a permanent fix.
Road to Recovery and Anticipated Return
Following the successful operation, Bellingham will now begin a rigorous period of rehabilitation. While a 12-week recovery period is anticipated, the club will carefully monitor his progress. Optimistically, the midfielder should be back in action by the time Real Madrid hosts Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season in late October. His return for such a pivotal match would be a significant boost for Los Blancos, alleviating the midfield burden on his teammates during his absence.
Bellingham’s temporary absence forces Real Madrid and England to adjust their early season strategies and rely on their squad depth. While a blow, the long-term benefit of a fully recovered Jude Bellingham, free from persistent shoulder issues, promises to be invaluable for both club and country.
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