Jude Bellingham blow: Set to miss Real Madrid’s opening two months

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to miss a significant stretch at the start of the 2025–26 campaign. He underwent surgery on a recurring dislocation in his left shoulder. The England international is expected to be out for 10 to 12 weeks, presenting an early challenge for Xabi Alonso as he begins his tenure in charge of the club.

Cadena SER: “Estará entre dos y tres meses de baja”

Spanish radio outlet Cadena SER reported on 15 July:

“El centrocampista inglés del Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, ha pasado por quirófano este lunes para solucionar la luxación que sufría en su hombro izquierdo. Según ha podido saber la Cadena SER, estará entre dos y tres meses de baja.”

Translation: “Real Madrid’s English midfielder Jude Bellingham underwent surgery on Monday to treat the dislocation he was suffering in his left shoulder. According to Cadena SER, he will be out for between two and three months.”

Reuters: “...expected to be out for between 10 and 12 weeks”

Reuters confirmed the news a day later:

“Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder, the La Liga club said on Tuesday. Spanish media reported that the England international is expected to be out for between 10 and 12 weeks.”

Expected to miss eight La Liga matches

Based on the estimated recovery timeline, Bellingham is unlikely to return before 8 October. That would see him miss the opening eight fixtures in La Liga, starting with Osasuna. He is also expected to sit out matches against Real Oviedo (A), Mallorca (H), Real Sociedad (A), Espanyol (H), Levante (A), Atlético Madrid (A), and Villarreal (H).

Matches Bellingham is set to miss:

• 19 August: Osasuna (Home)

• 24 August: Real Oviedo (Away)

• 31 August: Mallorca (Home)

• 14 September: Real Sociedad (Away)

• 21 September: Espanyol (Home)

• 24 September: Levante (Away)

• 28 September: Atlético Madrid (Away)

• 5 October: Villarreal (Home)

Champions League return not expected before Matchday 3

UEFA’s revamped league-stage format kicks off in mid-September, meaning Bellingham is expected to miss the opening two group-stage matches. The third matchday falls on 21–22 October, which coincides with his projected return window.

Setback for England’s qualifying campaign

Bellingham’s absence will also be felt by England. Head coach Thomas Tuchel will be without him for the September World Cup qualifiers against Andorra (6 September, home) and Serbia (9 September, away). His involvement in October’s friendlies against Wales (9 October) and Latvia (14 October) also remains doubtful.

Güler steps into the spotlight as Alonso adjusts midfield balance

Bellingham’s absence is expected to prompt a tactical rethink for Real Madrid. Young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler is likely to see an increase in playing time.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Alonso is preparing to use Güler in a more withdrawn role, particularly after Luka Modrić’s departure:

“Xabi Alonso looks to get the most out of Arda Güler next season by dropping him a bit deeper in the wake of Luka Modrić's exit.”

Such a shift may provide structural balance, though at the cost of some attacking fluidity. Positioning Güler deeper in midfield, closer to the build-up phase, could limit the team’s forward thrust. Still, it offers a valuable opportunity for the youngster to evolve as a central playmaker.

Clásico return remains possible

If recovery proceeds smoothly, Bellingham could be fit in time for the first El Clásico of the season in late October. His rehabilitation timeline matches the fixture window. However, Madrid’s medical and technical staff are likely to take a cautious approach before clearing him to return.

Alonso faces early adaptation test in Bellingham’s absence

Bellingham’s injury could alter Real Madrid’s early plans for the new season. Xabi Alonso will need to experiment with different midfield combinations and distribute responsibility more evenly in the opening weeks. Arda Güler is expected to see increased playing time, while experienced names like Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni will likely play more prominent roles. How well the team manages this period could lay the foundation for the months ahead.