Real Madrid’s midfielder Jude Bellingham left the pitch in tears during the match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday after suffering what looked to be a hamstring injury. The 19-year-old England international was in pursuit of the ball when he suddenly grimaced, clutched his hamstring, and collapsed to the ground in noticeable pain.
Though he managed to walk off the field without assistance, Bellingham’s emotional exit raised concerns among fans about the potential severity of his injury.
Following the incident, Bellingham will undergo medical tests to assess the damage, and a recovery timeline will be established based on the findings. However, early indications suggest that he may be sidelined for several weeks, putting him at risk of missing crucial upcoming fixtures. These include La Liga matches against Valencia and Real Sociedad, as well as the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoffs against Benfica scheduled for February 17.
Should the injury prove more serious, Bellingham’s participation in subsequent games could also be jeopardized, including the second leg against Benfica a week later. He would also need to be mindful of the final international break before the World Cup, which takes place in late March.
This injury adds to Bellingham’s recent challenges, as he faced a shoulder issue that kept him out of the England squad in September and concerns about his fitness led to his exclusion from the October lineup. Despite returning to international play in November, his starting role has been under scrutiny, especially following coach Thomas Tuchel’s remarks regarding his attitude, which have since been clarified as a poor choice of words.
As Bellingham navigates this setback, he faces pressure not only to recover and regain his spot with Real Madrid but also to secure his position in the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Real Madrid has a packed schedule ahead, with key matches against Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Benfica, and fans will be closely monitoring Bellingham’s recovery in hopes of seeing him back on the pitch soon.