Frank Christian
Jude Bellingham has been struggling with a shoulder issue for over a year, and it has reached a critical point.
While attending Real Madrid’s exciting 2-1 victory over Mallorca in mid-May, journalists noted widespread speculation regarding Bellingham undergoing surgery this summer, potentially very soon.
Currently, Marca has confirmed that he is expected to have shoulder surgery in the weeks ahead, either shortly or after the La Liga season wraps up.
Those familiar with the club had anticipated Bellingham would require surgery, and with this news now public, he is set to endure a recovery period post-procedure.
The main concern, though, is the timing of the surgery. According to Relevo’s report from Spain, Bellingham is indeed scheduled for surgery within the coming months. He hopes to address the issue promptly, while the club prefers he waits until after the FIFA tournament this summer.
The Sporting News provides insights into why surgery is the optimal choice for Bellingham and estimates the duration of his absence.
What is the reason for Jude Bellingham’s shoulder surgery?
Bellingham has officially been contending with a shoulder injury since he dislocated it during a 0-0 home match against Rayo Vallecano on November 5, 2023.
Although he completed that game, he missed the subsequent two matches, along with England’s two fixtures that November, which were crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers.
A report from Guillermo Rai of The Athletic in late 2024 indicated that Real Madrid suspects Bellingham had pre-existing shoulder issues dating back to his time with Borussia Dortmund prior to his move to La Liga.
It’s widely understood that once an athlete dislocates a shoulder, the risk of re-injury increases significantly, and further dislocations can worsen the condition. While these injuries aren’t as detrimental in football as in some other sports, they can still markedly impact a player’s capability due to discomfort or fear of re-injury.
To mitigate the risk, Bellingham has been using a specially designed shoulder brace, although it is not entirely protective. Last fall, The Athletic reported that much of the coaching and fitness team at Real Madrid believed surgery would be necessary for a complete recovery.
What will be the duration of Jude Bellingham’s recovery?
If Bellingham proceeds with the anticipated surgery, it could result in a lengthy absence from the game.
Labrum surgery typically keeps players sidelined for a minimum of two months, with some estimates suggesting a recovery period of up to 12 weeks or longer, depending on individual recovery progress.
The specific matches he may miss are contingent upon when he opts to have the operation, but given that it is likely imminent, he is expected to miss the entire Club World Cup. The tournament starts in mid-June and lasts for a month, placing him in a position where recovery before participating is improbable.
The England international may also risk not being available at the beginning of Real Madrid’s regular league season, which starts around mid-August. Since he would require time to acclimate following his absence from the Club World Cup and likely will miss preseason training, his preparation for the next season could prolong his time away from competition.
However, if the club convinces Bellingham to delay surgery until after the Club World Cup, he could miss a considerable portion of the Real Madrid season, possibly lasting a month or more depending on how far the team progresses in the tournament and when the surgery takes place.
