The pressure is on Real Madrid to find success without Jude Bellingham, who underwent successful surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder.
For the first time since Bellingham made the move to the Spanish capital, the England international is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. After two years of playing with a problem shoulder, the 22-year-old finally went under the knife to correct the injury he suffered back in Nov. 2023.
The procedure is expected to put Bellingham out of commission for up to three months, leaving Real Madrid without their No. 10 for the start of the 2025–26 La Liga season, as well as the beginning of their Champions League campaign.
Replacing the midfielder is anything but easy for Los Blancos; Bellingham’s creativity, work-rate and vision in the final third makes him one of one in Real Madrid’s dressing room. Still, Xabi Alonso will have to compensate for his superstar, perhaps with two other young talents looking to make a splash next season.
