The English midfielder has been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg, leaving Arbeloa with a depleted squad for the Champions League.
Real Madrid’s medical department has confirmed a significant setback for Jude Bellingham. The midfielder, who was forced off in the opening minutes of his last outing, has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the semitendinosus in his left leg. Early estimates suggest the “Number 5” will be sidelined for at least 30 days, with a return expected only in March.
Champions League Crisis
The timing could not be worse for the Merengues. Bellingham is officially ruled out of the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Benfica in Lisbon. While the club hopes to have him back for the return leg at the Bernabéu, medical staff are preaching caution to avoid a relapse.
In domestic action, Bellingham will also miss key La Liga fixtures against Valencia and Real Sociedad, directly impacting Madrid’s chase for the lead.
Arbeloa’s Selection Nightmare
Interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa faces a daunting task as the season enters its decisive phase. The squad is currently ravaged by absences:
- Attack: Vinicius Junior is suspended for the next game due to yellow card accumulation.
- Defense: Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger remain in the medical department.
- Midfield: The absence of Bellingham’s playmaking ability leaves a massive void in the center of the pitch.
The Road to Recovery
Bellingham has already begun his physiotherapy and rest program at the Valdebebas training center. The club’s statement emphasized that his progress is “pending further evaluation,” but the general consensus is that he will miss at least the next five matches across all competitions.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
