England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has taken a major step towards recovery after undergoing successful surgery on a persistent shoulder injury.
The 22-year-old’s operation marks a crucial chapter in his career but unfortunately sidelines him for roughly 12 weeks, impacting both Real Madrid’s early season campaign and England’s upcoming international fixtures.
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Shoulder Surgery Scheduled After Club World Cup Exit
Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, began their 2025-26 preparations with a challenging summer. The Spanish giants were eliminated in the Club World Cup semi-finals in the United States last week, losing to Paris St-Germain. Following that campaign, the club promptly scheduled Bellingham’s long-awaited shoulder surgery.
The injury dates back to 2023 when Bellingham dislocated his shoulder during a match against Rayo Vallecano. Despite wearing strapping and managing the discomfort, the England international admitted to the media in June, “I’m tired of playing with the sling,” revealing the physical and mental toll the injury had taken.
What This Means for Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid
Bellingham is expected to miss Real Madrid’s entire pre-season and the first six weeks of the La Liga season, including the opening fixture against Osasuna on August 19, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. This absence is a significant blow for Xabi Alonso, who is building his squad around the midfielder’s creativity and drive.
Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund two years ago for a whopping £115 million. He made an instant impact by winning both La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season, scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances. Last season, he continued his fine form with 15 goals in 58 matches, although Real Madrid fell short, losing the league title to Barcelona and exiting the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal.
Timeline and Expected Return
The recovery period following surgery is expected to be around 10 to 12 weeks. If rehabilitation goes smoothly, Jude Bellingham should return to training and match fitness by early October. His anticipated comeback date is around October 8, 2025, allowing him to be available for matchday 9 in La Liga.
However, Bellingham will likely need a gradual reintegration period before being considered for high-stakes matches such as the El Clásico against Barcelona on October 26, 2025.
Expected Real Madrid Return
- Date: Around October 8, 2025
- La Liga Availability: Starting from matchday 9
- Fitness Note: Likely gradual reintegration into the starting lineup to regain full match fitness
Matches Jude Bellingham Will Miss for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s absence will cover a crucial opening period in La Liga, Champions League, and international fixtures. Below is a table outlining the key La Liga games he will miss:
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | La Liga | Osasuna | Santiago Bernabéu |
| Aug 24 | La Liga | Real Oviedo | Away |
| Aug 31 | La Liga | Mallorca | Home |
| Sep 7 | La Liga | Real Sociedad | Away |
| Sep 14 | La Liga | Espanyol | Home |
| Sep 21 | La Liga | Levante | Away |
| Sep 28 | La Liga | Atlético Madrid | Away |
| Oct 5 | La Liga | Villarreal | Home |
Notably, Bellingham is expected to return in time for the first El Clásico of the season against Barcelona on October 26, 2025.
England Call-Ups: World Cup Qualifiers on Hold
Jude Bellingham will also miss England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in September against Andorra and Serbia, along with the October international fixtures versus Wales (friendly) and Latvia (qualifier). England’s manager Thomas Tuchel will have to navigate these crucial games without his midfield dynamo.
What’s Next for Jude Bellingham?
Despite this setback, Bellingham is expected to make a full recovery and return without any limitations. His youthful resilience and professionalism suggest he will come back stronger, ready to drive Real Madrid’s midfield and bolster England’s hopes on the international stage.
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FAQs
What injury did Jude Bellingham have surgery for?
He underwent surgery for a long-standing shoulder issue caused by a dislocation in 2023.
When did Real Madrid schedule the surgery?
After the Club World Cup in the U.S., following their semi-final defeat to Paris St-Germain.
How long will Jude Bellingham be out?
Approximately 10 to 12 weeks, missing the pre-season and first eight La Liga matches.
Which key matches will he miss?
Early La Liga fixtures including the Madrid derby, first two Champions League group games, and England’s September and October World Cup qualifiers.
Will Jude Bellingham fully recover?
Yes, he is expected to regain full fitness and play without any limitations.
