Real Madrid have been handed a big injury blow at the start of their LaLiga title defence, with Jude Bellingham set to spend most of the next month on the sidelines.
The superstar midfielder started both the UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta and 1-1 draw at Real Mallorca last week despite playing a full part in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.
However, Madrid confirmed on Friday that Bellingham has suffered a calf injury.
A statement read: “Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid's medical team, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg. His progress will be monitored.”
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Although Madrid did not a put a timeframe on the 21-year-old’s absence ahead of their first home game of the season against Real Valladolid this weekend, ESPN reported that Bellingham is likely to be out until mid-September.
This would also mean the former Borussia Dortmund favourite missing’s forthcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland — the Three Lions’ first matches under interim boss Lee Carsley.
Bellingham enjoyed an exceptional debut season at Madrid in 2023/24, scoring 23 goals and supplying 13 assists in 42 matches across all competitions. He is expected to have less of an attack-focused role this term following the high-profile arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
