Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has been sidelined after suffering a muscle injury in training, delivering a blow to club and country.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been in sparkling form this season, sustained the injury during a training session on Friday.
Bellingham was diagnosed with a strain in his plantaris muscle, located in his right leg.
Real Madrid’s medical team confirmed the injury after running several tests, estimating his absence to be around four weeks.
Bellingham will now miss crucial upcoming fixtures for Real Madrid, including key La Liga games and Champions League ties.
The injury also rules him out of the upcoming England national team matches, where his presence would have been vital.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment but remains optimistic that Bellingham will make a full recovery. “It’s a blow to lose Jude, but he’s a strong character, and we have faith in him bouncing back quickly,” Ancelotti remarked during a press briefing.
For England, interim coach Lee Carsley faces a difficult task as he prepares for the Nations League without Bellingham, a key part of the squad.
With fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Finland on the horizon, England will have to cope without one of their most dynamic players.
Bellingham remains positive about his recovery, reassuring fans on social media. “I’ll be working hard to get back stronger,” the midfielder said, thanking supporters for their well-wishes.
With Bellingham now focusing on his rehabilitation, Real Madrid will have to adapt and rely on their squad depth to navigate the coming weeks without their midfield talisman.