Jude Bellingham is expected to be sidelined for months after finally undergoing shoulder surgery having spent two years playing through the pain barrier.
The Real Madrid star underwent the operation earlier this week having suffered with a shoulder issue since falling awkwardly and dislocating it during a LaLiga clash against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.
He had delayed going under the knife for over a year because of last summer’s Euros and recently due to Real Madrid’s involvement in the Club World Cup.
However, it meant that the English midfielder was forced to play with his shoulder heavily strapped to prevent extra injury, while he told reporters last month that he was ‘tired of playing with the sling’.
‘I’m at that point where I’m ready to have a free shoulder and a free body,’ he added.
Bellingham confirmed that he had completed a successful procedure on Friday, posting a selfie in a hospital bed, showing him wearing a patient gown with his arm held in a sling.
In a post on Instagram, he thanked the medical team at Fortius Clinic, adding: ‘To everyone else for all the well wishes and messages of love.
‘The process to come back has already started, see you soon.’
England team-mate Morgan Rogers was quick to send his well wishes, commenting ‘my brother’ alongside three love heart emojis on the post.
Bellingham could be out of action until October, but Real Madrid are yet to confirm any length of absence.
They only revealed that Bellingham would ‘begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work’.
Real Madrid said the surgery was performed by Drs Manuel Leyes and Andrew Wallace, under the supervision of the club’s Medical Services.
The Englishman will likely miss at least the first eight matches of La Liga and the opening two Champions League games.
He is also expected to be unavailable for international breaks in September and October, which would include fixtures against Serbia and Andorra.
His possible return could be when Madrid face Getafe in the league on October 19 after the international break.
Following the surgery, Bellingham will spend a minimum of one month with his shoulder stabilised and his arm secured in a sling to aid the healing process.
The former Birmingham academy starlet played in all six of Madrid’s Club World Cup matches this summer, helping Los Blancos reach the semi-finals by contributing a goal and an assist along the way.
Last season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions for his club, providing the same number of assists.
