11 November 2023 , 17:15
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Jude Bellingham’s bright start to life at Real Madrid has been brought to an abrupt stop after suffering a shoulder injury.
The England midfielder has proven to be an inspired bit of business for the Spanish giants but will be out of action for the foreseeable future after picking up an injury. It means that he will miss Saturday evening’s showdown with La Liga rivals Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A statement from Los Blancos read: “After the tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with anterior instability of his left shoulder, a consequence of his recent dislocation. Bellingham is out for today's match against Valencia.”
The news will be a blow to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian thought he would be able to call upon his services for this weekend’s clash.
Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti said: “We're looking at what happens. The player feels good, he trained normally and he's available. Provided nothing odd happens in the coming hours, I think he'll play.”
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Bellingham, 20, has enjoyed an electric start to life with Real Madrid since his £88.5m switch from German giants Borussia Dortmund. He has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for his new club, with three assists also to his name.
Jude Bellingham has scored 13 goals for Real Madrid this season (Getty Images)Is Jude Bellingham England's best player? Share your thoughts in the comments below
While he will miss the weekend’s game, England boss Gareth Southgate will hope that he overcomes the issue in time for the upcoming international break. Bellingham has been named in the latest Three Lions’ squad for European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Southgate’s side have already booked their spot at the tournament so it won’t be too much of a disaster should he not be able to call on Bellingham. Speaking about the midfielder last month, he said: “His mentality is incredible.
“For someone of his age to show such maturity and intelligence is unbelievable. We are lucky to have him. He’s been the catalyst – the way he carries himself and plays on the field shows that and he’s had that since he walked through the door.”
Following the international break, Bellingham’s current employers Real Madrid are back in action against Cadiz away from home. Ancelotti’s side currently sit second in the La Liga table ahead of that game - five points behind leaders Girona albeit with a game in hand.
Bellingham will be hoping to overturn that deficit over the remainder of the campaign as they aim to reclaim their La Liga crown from Barcelona.