Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:05 pm GMT
Real Madrid is making strides to fast-track the return of midfielder Jude Bellingham from a foot injury that has kept him on the sidelines since mid-August. Initially projected to miss more than a month of action, the young Englishman may feature in the team’s upcoming match against Real Sociedad on September 14. This potential inclusion is part of a strategic move by manager Carlo Ancelotti amid a growing injury crisis affecting several key players.
Injury Concerns for Bellingham
Bellingham’s injury—sustained on August 18—was serious enough to exclude him from England’s squad for their September fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. However, recent reports from The Athletic indicate that the 21-year-old could make a surprising return sooner than anticipated. Ancelotti is reportedly considering allowing him some minutes on the pitch as the team grapples with a series of setbacks due to injuries.
Impact of Injury Crisis on the Team
The injury worries for Real Madrid extend well beyond Bellingham. Eduardo Camavinga remains unavailable, while Dani Ceballos faces an extended absence of around two months due to an ankle issue. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni has withdrawn from the France squad due to his own injury concerns. Left-back Ferland Mendy is also sidelined, compounding Ancelotti’s difficulties as he prepares for upcoming matches.
The situation worsened with news that center-back Eder Militao was released from the Brazilian national team over a thigh problem. Furthermore, 19-year-old defender Jacobo Ramon is now expected to be out for two weeks, adding to the woes of a back line already struggling due to David Alaba’s long-term injury.
Pressure on Real Madrid’s Performance
Real Madrid’s performance at the start of the season has raised eyebrows, with the team earning just eight points from their first four matches. While they currently sit second in La Liga, they’ve fallen four points behind rival Barcelona, intensifying the pressure on Ancelotti to achieve better results. With key players unavailable, the return of Bellingham could not only provide a morale boost but also essential support in the midfield as they strive to close the gap on Barcelona.
Strategic Decisions Ahead of International Break
As the international break approaches, Ancelotti faces a challenging decision: whether to risk Bellingham’s health by playing him earlier than expected or to err on the side of caution and allow him to recover fully. While AS predicts that he may miss another three weeks, the mounting injury issues could prompt a change in plans.
Fan Reactions and Future Implications
Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on Bellingham’s situation, understanding his importance in the squad. If he does indeed feature in the upcoming match, it could serve as a crucial turning point for the team, bolstering their midfield options and potentially changing their trajectory in La Liga.
As the club goes through a tough time, the managers need to carefully handle risks while helping the team get back on track. They want to make sure important players like Bellingham are healthy and ready for the big games coming up. The international break might give them a little break, but Real Madrid still feels a lot of pressure to improve and play well.
