Real Madrid have been dealt a significant blow ahead of a decisive phase of their season, with Jude Bellingham expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury. The England international is now likely to miss crucial fixtures, including the Champions League play-off ties against Benfica.
The Spanish giants confirmed the midfielder’s injury on Monday following medical assessments conducted by the club’s medical staff. In an official statement, Real Madrid revealed that Bellingham has suffered damage to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. While the club stopped short of providing a precise recovery timeline, reports from Spanish media suggest the 22-year-old could be out for approximately a month.
Bellingham sustained the injury during Real Madrid’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The midfielder was forced off in the early stages of the match, immediately raising concerns among supporters and coaching staff due to his importance to the team’s structure and attacking output this season.
If the projected recovery period proves accurate, Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League play-off clashes against Benfica, scheduled for February 17 and February 25. The absence comes at a particularly delicate moment, with European progression hanging in the balance and Benfica, coached by Jose Mourinho, posing a formidable challenge.
In addition to the European fixtures, Bellingham is also expected to be unavailable for several domestic matches. Real Madrid face a demanding La Liga schedule in the coming weeks, including encounters against Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Osasuna. His absence could test the squad’s depth as the title race intensifies.
Bellingham has been one of Real Madrid’s standout performers since arriving at the club, contributing goals, assists, and relentless energy from midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, arrive late in the box, and influence matches at both ends of the pitch has made him a central figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup this season.
Speaking about the situation, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the scale of the setback but remained confident in the squad’s ability to cope. He described Bellingham’s potential absence as a “big loss,” while emphasizing that the team possesses an “extraordinary squad” capable of adapting and maintaining competitive standards in his absence.
With a congested fixture list ahead, Real Madrid will likely rely on experienced midfielders and tactical adjustments to cover for Bellingham until he returns to full fitness. The club’s priority will be ensuring the midfielder recovers fully, avoiding any risk of aggravating the injury during a critical stretch of the season.
For now, Los Blancos must navigate a demanding run of matches without one of their most influential players, hoping the setback does not derail their ambitions on both domestic and European fronts.
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