Real Madrid make England decision on Jude Bellingham after injury blow
Jude Bellingham will join up with the England squad, but is expected to immediately be sent back to Real Madrid due to a shoulder injury.
The midfielder has starred for Los Blancos since arriving at the Bernabeu in the summer transfer window. His performances have also seen him become a key player in Gareth Southgate 's England side as they cruise through qualifying for Euro 2024.
The Three Lions will conclude their campaign with a visit from Malta and a trip to North Macedonia over the next week. Bellingham had been called up for those games, but there are now major doubts over his fitness.
The 20-year-old has missed Madrid's last two games after suffering an injury against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday. He fell while trying to control a low ball with his chest and though he finished the game, the problem has turned out to be worse than it first appeared.
While he has returned to training, boss Carlo Ancelotti left Bellingham out of the wins over Braga and Valencia. And the Italian has now cast doubt on the midfielder's availability for the upcoming international break.
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“He will go to be evaluated but I expect him back [in Spain] again quickly. If he didn’t play today, he can’t play with England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the coming weeks. After the international break I think he will be able to play again,” Ancelotti said after the win over Valencia.
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Jude Bellingham injured his shoulder against Rayo Vallecano and is yet to fully recover (David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)According to Marca, England are in possession of Bellingham's medical reports and are willing to accept the advice of Madrid's medical staff. Bellingham himself also accepts that the best thing for him is to ensure he can totally recover before returning to the pitch.
Los Blancos are eyeing to clash with Cadiz on 26 November as the date Bellingham can first return, with the Champions League visit from Napoli seen as being the game Ancelotti most wants him back for.
Southgate is already dealing with somewhat of an injury crisis, with James Maddison and Callum Wilson already ruled out. So far, the England boss has not named anyone to replace that duo.
Belligham meanwhile will be celebrating winning the La Liga player of the month award for a third successive time. He also picked it up in August and September, with the 20-year-old delighted to be recognised once again.
“I'd like to thank everyone for this prize again. I feel very grateful for the fans' support and I hope to win many more," the injured star said after being handed the award last week.
“The team is in great shape. We were frustrated by the draw against Rayo after such a big win over Barcelona, but we have to learn from these kinds of games. We performed really well in the Champions League afterwards."
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