Real Madrid's midfield dynamo Jude Bellingham is poised for a brief hiatus from the pitch following an ankle sprain sustained during the team's recent La Liga victory over Girona. The English international's injury was confirmed by Real Madrid after Bellingham was forced to exit the game in the aftermath of a challenge that saw Pablo Torre inadvertently step on his foot, causing visible discomfort.
Despite the setback, Bellingham had already left his mark on the match, netting two goals to propel Real Madrid to a comfortable 4-0 win. His contributions underscored his critical role in the squad since his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer for £88.5 million. Bellingham's ability to integrate seamlessly into Real Madrid's lineup and become a key player has been evident, with his knack for scoring crucial goals from midfield becoming a hallmark of his play.
Following the incident, Real Madrid issued a statement detailing Bellingham's diagnosis: "Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored." While the club refrained from specifying a timeline for his return, Spanish media speculations suggest a recovery period of up to three weeks.
This timeline means Bellingham will be absent for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match against RB Leipzig, with additional La Liga fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla, and Valencia also likely missing his presence. The team and fans alike will be hopeful for his return in time for the second leg against RB Leipzig on March 6.
Bellingham's temporary departure from the lineup presents a challenge for Carlo Ancelotti's team, particularly in light of his prolific scoring this season, with 20 goals across all competitions. Since the departure of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid has often eschewed a traditional striker, relying instead on Bellingham's advanced midfield role to support forwards Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. His absence will necessitate others in the midfield, such as Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dani Ceballos, to contribute offensively.
The injury comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, which has solidified its position atop the La Liga table, now holding a 10-point lead over arch-rival Barcelona. Bellingham's injury, while a significant blow, is seen as a short-term hurdle, with expectations for a swift recovery.
England's national team manager Gareth Southgate will also be monitoring Bellingham's recovery closely, given the midfielder's pivotal role in the squad ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, and the UEFA European Championships later this summer.
In related La Liga news, Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata also faces a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury sustained in a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla. Initial concerns over the severity of Morata's injury have been somewhat alleviated, with expectations now set for a possible return in time for Atletico's Champions League engagement against Inter Milan next month.
