Jude Bellingham has assured fans his recovery is on track after suffering a hamstring injury during Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The England midfielder was forced off in tears just eight minutes into the match and has since been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg.
Real Madrid's medical report confirmed the injury, with Spanish reports indicating a four-week layoff. This means Bellingham will miss the crucial Champions League play-off tie against Benfica, but he is expected to be fit for England's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at the end of March, well before the World Cup begins in June.
The 22-year-old took to his JB5 app to share a selfie wearing an oxygen mask with the caption: “Life goes on.” He has only played twice for England this season, having missed September's matches due to shoulder surgery recovery. Thomas Tuchel did not call him up for the most recent squad, but Bellingham started the 2-0 win over Albania in November before being substituted, a decision he reacted to with visible frustration.
Tuchel commented on the incident: “That is a decision and he has to accept it. His friend is waiting on the sidelines. Accept it, respect it and keep on going.” The England manager added that Bellingham's competitive nature means he will never like being taken off, but standards and respect are paramount.
