‎Jude Bellingham to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid schedule midfielder for post-Club World Cup shoulder surgery

By: Shawn
‎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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Jude Bellingham to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid plan surgery after Club World Cup.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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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