Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is hopeful that Jude Bellingham could return before October. The England midfielder is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Bellingham has been out since July when he had an operation on his left shoulder. The injury had troubled him since 2023 and forced him to play in discomfort for both club and country.
“I want to be optimistic and hope he can return before October,” Alonso said on Friday. “He has started to do some things with the group. He has worked very hard in his recovery and he is feeling well.”
The 22-year-old joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund two years ago. He chose surgery after the Club World Cup in the United States when the pain became too much. “I was sick of playing with the sling,” he admitted in June. He had often been seen wearing heavy strapping during matches.
The injury first flared up in a game against Rayo Vallecano, making him miss two matches for Real Madrid and England late in 2023.
His return would be a big boost for Real Madrid. They lead La Liga with nine points from three games, level with Athletic Bilbao.
Alonso is also happy with the squad after the international break. “The most important thing is that everyone has come back healthy,” he said. “We have no new injuries.”
Madrid face Real Sociedad on Saturday and then begin their Champions League campaign against Marseille on Tuesday.
“It will be demanding. Every game in La Liga and the Champions League is important. These points can be decisive,” Alonso said. “We need to prepare well for each match.”
The coach also mentioned the importance of short-term targets. “During these international breaks, we set small goals that carry us through to April and May. We want to stay focused by managing minutes and distributing our efforts,” he added.
