Jude Bellingham to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid schedule midfielder for post-Club World Cup shoulder surgery
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to miss the start of the 2025-26 season, with the Spanish giants scheduling the star for shoulder surgery following the FIFA Club World Cup.
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According to reports from The Athletic, Real Madrid’s medical team has opted for surgical intervention to address Bellingham’s lingering shoulder injury—an issue that traces back to a dislocation sustained in a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. The 21-year-old midfielder has since managed the condition through pain management, but the heavy fixture load has delayed corrective surgery until now.
The procedure is expected to sideline Bellingham for at least 12 weeks, ruling him out of pre-season training and the opening fixtures of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
Despite a stellar debut season in Spain, which saw him emerge as one of Europe’s most talked-about midfielders, Bellingham's recent performances have raised internal concerns at the Bernabéu. Marca reports that Real Madrid have held multiple meetings to assess a noticeable dip in his form—tallying 13 goals and 14 assists this season, a decline from his blistering start.
The club believes the persistent shoulder issue has hindered Bellingham’s recent output and aims to ensure a full recovery before he returns to action.
Carlo Ancelotti, managing his final La Liga match with Real Madrid this weekend against Real Sociedad, is expected to include Bellingham in his squad before the player undergoes surgery.
The decision to delay treatment until after the Club World Cup underscores both the player's importance to Madrid’s immediate ambitions and the long-term strategic focus on his fitness and longevity.
Real Madrid fans and England supporters alike will hope the surgery restores Bellingham to full strength ahead of a packed 2025-26 season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up.
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