Jude Bellingham will miss the beginning of the new football season for Real Madrid due to a shoulder injury. This news has shocked fans and football experts across the world. The young English midfielder has quickly become a key part of Real Madrid’s squad. His absence will be felt both on and off the pitch.
Real Madrid confirmed that Bellingham suffered the injury during a pre-season training session. Medical tests later revealed that he had dislocated his left shoulder. While the club has not given an exact timeline, sources suggest he will miss several opening matches of the 2025–26 season.
Here are five major ways Jude Bellingham’s shoulder injury could impact Real Madrid as they begin a new campaign.
1. Real Madrid Loses Its Midfield Leader
Even though Bellingham is just 22 years old, he has already proven to be a leader in the heart of the midfield. In his debut season at Real Madrid, he scored crucial goals, controlled the pace of matches and became a fan favorite.
His ability to move the ball quickly and make smart decisions under pressure makes him irreplaceable. Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s head coach, will now be forced to rethink his midfield strategy.
With Luka Modrić aging and Toni Kroos having retired, Real Madrid was counting on Bellingham to lead the next generation. His absence means younger players like Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler will have to step up early.
2. La Liga Title Defense Could Suffer
Real Madrid won the La Liga title last season, finishing ahead of rivals Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Jude Bellingham played a massive role in that success. His goals, assists and energy in midfield often made the difference in tight matches.
Missing a player like Bellingham during the first few weeks could lead to dropped points. Early matches are important in building momentum. Without their top midfielder, Real Madrid may struggle to keep up with title challengers.
The opening fixtures include tricky games against Sevilla and Real Sociedad. These matches could test Real Madrid’s depth and tactical strength without Bellingham on the field.
3. Champions League Preparations Affected
While the UEFA Champions League group stage will begin later in the season, Bellingham’s injury could affect Real Madrid’s preparations. Pre-season training and early league matches are key to building team chemistry and strategy.
Bellingham’s absence means Ancelotti cannot test certain formations with his full starting eleven. His return date is still unclear, and that creates uncertainty for the coaching staff.
In Europe, small details matter. A late return or poor form after recovery could hurt Real Madrid’s performance in their most important competition.
4. England Also Faces a Setback
Jude Bellingham is not only important to Real Madrid but also to the England national team. The midfielder is seen as the future captain and a player who can guide England to major trophies.
While his current focus is on recovering with his club, any long-term issues could also impact his availability for international matches. England’s World Cup qualifiers begin in the coming months, and coach Gareth Southgate will be watching his recovery closely.
A fit and confident Bellingham is crucial for England’s midfield strength. His injury has sparked concern in both Spain and England.
5. Pressure Rises on Real Madrid’s New Signings
The spotlight will shift to other midfielders in the squad. Real Madrid has a mix of experienced and young players who now need to deliver from the very first match.
Players like Federico Valverde, Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will be expected to carry more responsibility. New signings and academy graduates could get more playing time than planned.
This situation could create both opportunity and pressure. Young talents will get a chance to prove themselves, but fans may grow impatient if results do not go their way.
Carlo Ancelotti will also have to answer more questions from the media and supporters. His ability to manage the squad during this injury crisis will be closely watched.
What Is the Road to Recovery?
Real Madrid’s medical team has confirmed that Bellingham’s shoulder dislocation will not require surgery. However, it will need weeks of rest, physical therapy and gradual return to full training.
He will miss not just the start of the La Liga season but also important training sessions that help players build fitness and confidence.
He has posted a message to fans, thanking them for their support and promising to come back stronger. Club sources say they do not want to rush his return, which could risk further damage.
If recovery goes well, he could be back in time for mid-September fixtures. Until then, fans will have to wait and hope for positive updates.
Real Madrid’s Future Without Bellingham
While the injury is a blow, Real Madrid is not without options. The team has invested in young talents across Europe. Still, Jude Bellingham has become a symbol of the club’s future.
His injury highlights the need for squad depth and careful rotation. It also reminds fans and teams that injuries are a part of football. Planning for such situations is what separates great clubs from the rest.
As Real Madrid prepares for a long season, all eyes will be on how they handle these first few weeks without their midfield superstar.
The road will be tough. The competition is strong. But Real Madrid is known for rising under pressure. With Bellingham’s return in sight, the club hopes this early challenge will only make them stronger.
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