Real Madrid confirmed on Wednesday that Jude Bellingham successfully underwent surgery for his troublesome shoulder — but the star midfielder is now set to miss up to 12 weeks of action.
In their official statement, Real Madrid declared:
“Our player Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation. Bellingham will now begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work.”
However, this announcement doesn’t soften the blow for Madrid fans. The news means the 22-year-old will likely sit out key matches, including vital LaLiga fixtures and Champions League clashes.
Bellingham medical report.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 16, 2025
Bellingham has been one of Madrid’s most influential players since his arrival. His midfield dominance, ability to control games, and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite at the Bernabéu.
But since November 2023, Bellingham has been nursing a dislocated shoulder picked up during a LaLiga match. Despite the setback, the England international soldiered on — wearing a brace underneath his shirt to cope with the discomfort.
During the Club World Cup, Bellingham openly admitted:
“I’ve got to the point where… I’m fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time.”
Now, with Real Madrid’s Bellingham injury forcing surgery, the midfielder will finally get the proper treatment — but at the cost of missing critical matches.
Bellingham Injury Means Missing Key Fixtures
That timeline means:
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He will sit out Madrid’s visit to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in late September.
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He will miss two Champions League group stage matches, a blow to Madrid’s European hopes.
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He won’t feature for England in their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia on 6 and 9 September.
The saving grace? Bellingham is expected to return in time for the season’s first El Clasico against Barcelona in late October — a match every Madridista will be desperate for him to play.
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The Bigger Picture Behind Real Madrid’s Bellingham Injury
Real Madrid’s Bellingham injury could impact more than just matchday lineups. His absence strips the team of its midfield maestro during a critical early-season period.
Coach Xabi Alonso will have to reshuffle his midfield options. Will Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni step up? Can Toni Kroos or Luka Modric handle the workload with Bellingham out?
The Three Lions will also feel the heat. Real Madrid’s Bellingham injury rules him out of September’s World Cup qualifiers. With England’s midfield already facing questions about creativity and control, Bellingham’s absence leaves a glaring hole.
Manager Gareth Southgate now faces the tough task of finding a temporary replacement for his star midfielder.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham Injury – A Wake-Up Call for Players?
Real Madrid’s Bellingham injury is a reminder of how players sometimes push their bodies beyond the limit. Playing through pain, wearing braces, and delaying surgery can lead to longer-term setbacks.
Bellingham put his club first, delaying surgery until after the Club World Cup, but now both Madrid and England pay the price for his bravery.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham injury might not derail their entire season — but it’s a setback they’ll feel in key games. His leadership on the pitch, passing vision, and goal-scoring instincts are hard to replace.
For Madridistas worldwide, all eyes are now on his recovery. Can Jude Bellingham bounce back stronger after this layoff?