Jude Bellingham begins rehabilitation after left-shoulder surgery, sidelined for weeks
The English midfielder has gone under the knife to address a recurring left shoulder issue, with Real Madrid outlining a recovery window that will keep him out for several weeks.
Bellingham chose Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s western coast, as the setting for his convalescence. He stayed at the Half Moon, a sprawling 400-hectare resort surrounded by pine forests and private beaches, and was joined by more than a dozen family members for a quiet break away from Madrid’s pace and heat.
Real Madrid gave him a few extra days of rest, allowing him to return to Valdebebas last Thursday. On July 16, about a week after the Club World Cup exit, he underwent a delicate operation on the shoulder that is expected to sideline him until at least late October.
During the early stages of recovery, rest is crucial. Yet Bellingham has shared social media clips showing him working the shoulder with resistance bands and displaying some discomfort, a sign that progress is gradual but on track.
His vacation posts painted a clear picture: reggae tunes from Bob Marley in the background, pristine Caribbean scenery, and family all around. It was a genuine recharge ahead of a demanding campaign.
Madrid are counting on the player who made a spectacular impact in his debut season, justifying the €100 million investment from Borussia Dortmund. In 2023–24, he tallied 23 goals in 42 games for the club.
The injury issue has history: a shoulder dislocation against Rayo Vallecano in November has haunted him, and he carried out more than 100 matches with substantial strapping before ultimately opting for surgery.
With Jamaica behind him, Real Madrid and new head coach Xabi Alonso are bracing for a careful return and patiently counting down the weeks until Bellingham can deliver his peak form once more.
What this means for Madrid
– The club will lean on its squad depth as it navigates the absence of one of its key architects in midfield.
– There is room for others to step up, with senior figures and younger talents alike expected to shoulder more responsibilities while he recovers.
– The timeline suggests a staged return, focused on building sharpness and confidence before a full reintroduction to high-intensity fixtures.
Overall, the story centers on a temporary setback being met with a structured plan and optimism that Bellingham will return in top form to help Real Madrid pursue domestic and European objectives. A positive outlook remains that his recovery could be expedited by his disciplined rehab and Madrid’s careful management of his minutes and workload.