Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will be out of action for several weeks after spraining his left ankle in the 4-0 win over Girona on Saturday. The 19-year-old scored twice in the first half to take his tally to 20 goals in all competitions this season, but had to be replaced in the 57th minute after a challenge from Pablo Torre. Bellingham is the top scorer for Real Madrid and one of the best players in Europe.
The club confirmed on Sunday that Bellingham had a high ankle sprain and that his recovery will be monitored. According to Spanish media reports, he could be sidelined for up to three weeks, which would rule him out of some crucial matches for Real Madrid and England. Bellingham will miss the Champions League round-of-16 first leg at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, as well as the LaLiga games against Real Betis, Celta Vigo and Levante. He is also a doubt for the second leg against Leipzig on March 6 and the Madrid derby on March 10.
Bellingham’s Absence a Big Loss for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s injury is a major setback for Real Madrid, who are leading the LaLiga table by five points over second-placed Girona. The Englishman has been a key player for the team since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer for a reported fee of €100 million. He has formed a formidable partnership with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the midfield, providing creativity, energy and goals. Bellingham has scored more goals than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s performance after the game against Girona, saying he was “fantastic” and “incredible”. He also expressed his concern about the injury, saying he hoped it was not serious. Ancelotti will have to find a replacement for Bellingham in the upcoming matches, with options including Federico Valverde, Isco, Martin Odegaard and Eduardo Camavinga. However, none of them can match Bellingham’s impact and versatility.
Bellingham’s Injury a Worry for England
Bellingham’s injury is also a worry for England, who are preparing for the World Cup qualifiers in March. The Three Lions will face San Marino, Albania and Poland in Group I, hoping to secure their place in the 2024 World Cup in Qatar. Bellingham has been a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squad, earning 15 caps and scoring three goals. He was one of the standout performers for England in the Euro 2024, where they reached the final and lost to Italy on penalties.
Bellingham is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world, and has been compared to legends such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. He has shown maturity, confidence and leadership beyond his years, and has impressed with his technical ability, vision and work rate. Bellingham is expected to be a key player for England in the World Cup, if they qualify. Southgate will hope that Bellingham can recover in time and regain his form and fitness before the international break.
