Jude Bellingham injury: Real Madrid and England sweat over fitness of midfielder - ‘I'm very frustrated'
By Conor Keenan
Updated 23/08/2024 at 22:05 GMT+1
England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is facing a spell on the sidelines with a leg injury, meaning the midfielder is a doubt for both of England's opening Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September. Madrid confirmed that Bellingham suffered an injury to his right leg and are continuing to monitor his fitness.
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Jude Bellingham is at risk of missing England's upcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland after picking up a calf injury, his club have announced.
In a short statement released by Real Madrid on Friday, the club confirmed that tests carried out on Bellingham by the Madrid medical team revealed a leg injury which could keep the England international out for an estimated four weeks.
"Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid's medical team, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg," the statement read.
The club added that Bellingham's fitness would continue to be monitored.
Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti remained tight-lipped on the situation at his press conference on Friday morning, telling journalists "he's (Bellingham) had a knock, they're evaluating him".
Bellingham later posted on social media, saying he was taking the positives from the "frustrating" setback.
"Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year," Bellingham wrote.
"I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form. Thanks for your messages of concern and support."
Defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is already facing six to seven weeks out through injury after sustaining a heavy knock in training ahead of the 2-0 UEFA Supercup victory over Atalanta.
The reigning Spanish and European champions could only manage a draw in the opening game of their La Liga season, with full-back Ferland Mendy recieving a late red card in a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Mallorca.
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Madrid host Valladolid on Sunday before facing Las Palmas away from home on Thursday night. They host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next Sunday in their final game before the international break, with Bellingham expected to miss all three games.
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Bellingham is now a doubt for Lee Carsley's first game as interim manager of England against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin to kick off the new Nations League campaign.
England face Ireland on Sunday, September 7, before hosting Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, September 10.
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Bellingham was a crucial part of the England team that reached the final of Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, scoring a last-minute overhead kick against Slovakia to send the game into extra-time before Harry Kane scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.
England would go on to lose the final 2-1 to Spain in Berlin. Gareth Southgate announced in the days following the game that he would step down from his position as England manager.
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