There is real alarm in the football world as Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is facing a longer spell on the sidelines than initially expected, according to the latest reports from sports media and injury specialists.
Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury during the last La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on February 1, pulling out of the game just minutes into the match.
Initially, he was expected to be out for about a month, but the latest estimates suggest a recovery that could take up to about 8 weeks (approximately two months).
This news has become a matter of concern not only for Real Madrid, but also for England, as the next two months are essential for the club's season and for the national team's preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
"Los Blancos" will lose one of their most influential midfielders in key La Liga matches and in the Champions League knockout stages.
England may not have Bellingham available for March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan — matches considered a test before the World Cup.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has described the recovery as a "race against time", stressing that the club is "more cautious" about the pace of the player's recovery.
However, the German coach has expressed optimism that he can make it to the March games — although that remains uncertain.
Reports suggest Bellingham could now be out for up to 8 weeks, longer than the initial prediction of around 6 weeks.
This period gives him a recovery time that extends until the end of March or the beginning of April.
In his absence, the coaches will have to restructure the midfield and find replacements to fill the gaps at key stages of the season.
In Madrid, players like Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga could get more minutes and responsibility.
For England, the loss of Bellingham could change the tactical scheme for friendlies and have an impact on selection for the World Cup, especially in the attacking midfielder position.
Fans and management remain awaiting new news from the next medical test and the reconstruction of the recovery program, but at this moment it seems that his final season will be affected by this serious injury. /Express newspaper
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