Jude Bellingham has been one of Real Madrid’s most impactful players this season—but he’s done it while carrying a painful injury. The English international has been dealing with a left shoulder dislocation since late 2023, which occurred during a LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano. Since then, he has continued to play with discomfort, often wearing a noticeable brace to protect the area.

Surgery Inevitable, but Carefully Timed

According to The Athletic, both Real Madrid and Bellingham’s camp have agreed on a plan: the midfielder will undergo surgery once the Club World Cup in the United States concludes. The tournament is a priority for Bellingham, who has expressed his desire to participate in its inaugural edition.

Although surgery was previously ruled out to avoid disrupting the season, it is now seen as the only way to fully resolve the issue. The approach is clear—compete for the title with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, then proceed with the operation upon returning from the U.S.

Recovery Could Take Up to Three Months

Reports suggest that Bellingham could be sidelined for up to three months after the procedure, which means he would miss the opening weeks of the next season under new manager Xabi Alonso, whose appointment is expected to be made official shortly.

Despite the lengthy recovery, Real Madrid is prioritizing the long-term health and performance of their star player. At just 21 years old, Bellingham has been a key figure in the squad and is expected to be central to the club’s next project.

For now, the midfielder will continue competing at full intensity before focusing on recovery and rehabilitation. The message from Valdebebas is crystal clear: protecting Bellingham is protecting the future of Real Madrid—no matter what the calendar says.